pitched battle
noun
a battle in which the orderly arrangement of armed forces and the location have been predetermined.
an encounter in which the antagonists are completely and intensely engaged: The dispute evolved into a pitched battle between management and labor.
Origin of pitched battle
First recorded in 1600–10
Words nearby pitched battle
pitch-cone angle,
pitch-dark,
pitch-faced,
pitchbend,
pitchblende,
pitched battle,
pitched battle, a,
pitcher,
pitcher plant,
pitcherful,
pitchfork
British Dictionary definitions for pitched battle
pitched battle
noun
a battle ensuing from the deliberate choice of time and place, engaging all the planned resources
any fierce encounter, esp one with large numbers