rencounter, reencounter

[French rencontré, from rencontrer =to encounter, to meet, contracted from reëncontre, reëncontrer, from re- = again, and encontrer =to meet.] 1. A meeting of two bodies or persons; a clash, a collision. "Was it by mere chance that these blind parts of matter, floating in an immense space, did, after several just lings and rencounters, jumble themselves into this beautiful frame of things?"- Scott : Christian Life , pt. ii., ch. iv. 2. A meeting in contest or opposition; a collision, a combat. "Without any busyne e or reëncounter we came to the cap it all."-Berners: Froi art; Cronycte , vol. ii., ch. xxix. 3. A casual or sudden combat or action without premeditation, as between individuals or small parties; a slight action or engagement.