battue

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a hunt in which beaters force the game to flee in the direction of the hunter
noun indiscriminate slaughter

From French battue, ultimately from Latin battere. Doublet of battuta, which arrived via Italian.

"The battue in Ettrick Forest, for the destruction of the foxes." — The Pirate: Andrew Lang Edition, Walter Scott
A battue of Communards is obviously superior to a battue of pheasants. — The History of Sir Richard Calmady: A Romance, Lucas Malet
On the day of the sixth of June, a battue of the sewers had been ordered. — Les Misérables, Victor Hugo

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