Webster's 1828 Dictionary
BATTEL
n.[See Battle. ] In law, wager of battle, a species of trial for the decision of causes between parties. This species of trial is of high antiquity, among the rude military people of Europe. It was introduced into England, by William, the Norman Conqueror, and used in three cases only; in the court martial, or court of chivalry or honor; ; in appeals of felony; and in issues joined upon a writ of right. The contest was had before the judges, on a piece of ground inclosed, and the combatants were bound to fight till the stars appeared, unless the death of one party or victory sooner decided the contest. It is no longer is use.
BATTEL
v.i.To grow fat. [Not in use. ] [See Batten. ] 1. To stand indebted in the college books at Oxford, for provisions and drink, from the buttery. Hence a batteler answers to a sizer at Cambridge.
BATTEL
n.An account of the expenses of a student at Oxford.
BATTEL
a.[See Batten. ] Fertile; fruitful. [Not used. ]
BATTELER, BATTLER
n.A student at Oxford.
Webster's 1913 Dictionary
BATTEL
Bat "tel, n. Etym: [Obs. form. of Battle. ] (Old Eng. Law )
Defn: A single combat; as, trial by battel. See Wager of battel, under Wager.
BATTEL
Bat "tel, n. Etym: [Of uncertain etymology. ]
Defn: Provisions ordered from the buttery; also, the charges for them; -- only in the pl. , except when used adjectively. [Univ. of Oxford, Eng. ]
BATTEL
BATTEL Bat "tel, v. i.
Defn: To be supplied with provisions from the buttery. [Univ. of Oxford, Eng. ]
BATTEL
Bat "tel, v. t. Etym: [Cf. Batful, Batten, v. i.]
Defn: To make fertile. [Obs. ] "To battel barren land. " Ray.
BATTEL
BATTEL Bat "tel, a.
Defn: Fertile; fruitful; productive. [Obs. ] A battel soil for grain, for pasture good. Fairfax.
BATTELER; BATTLER
Bat "tel *er, Bat "tler, n. Etym: [See 2d Battel, n.]
Defn: A student at Oxford who is supplied with provisions from the buttery; formerly, one who paid for nothing but what he called for, answering nearly to a sizar at Cambridge. Wright.
New American Oxford Dictionary
battels
battels |ˈbat (ə )lz | ▶plural noun (at Oxford University ) a college account for food and accommodation expenses. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: perhaps from dialect battle ‘nourish ’, from the earlier adjective battle ‘nutritious ’; probably related to batten 2 .
Oxford Dictionary
battels
battels |ˈbat (ə )lz | ▶plural noun (at Oxford University ) a college account for food and accommodation expenses. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: perhaps from dialect battle ‘nourish ’, from the earlier adjective battle ‘nutritious ’; probably related to batten 2 .
The Wordsmith Dictionary