1. (n.) Originally, a swordplayer; hence, one who fought with weapons in public, either on the occasion of a funeral ceremony, or in the arena, for public amusement.

2. (n.) One who engages in any fierce combat or controversy.

battler belligerent belted knight bickerer blade bravo brawler bully bullyboy combatant competitor contender contestant disputant duelist enforcer fencer feuder fighter fighting cock foilsman gamecock goon gorilla hatchet man hood hoodlum hooligan jouster knight militant plug-ugly quarreler rioter rival rough rowdy ruffian sabreur scrapper scuffler squabbler strong arm strong-arm man strong-armer struggler swashbuckler sword swordplayer swordsman thug tilter tough tussler wrangler