Contending; disposed to combat or contend.In heraldry, same as affronté, but applied only to ferocious creatures, such as lions.n. A person who combats; one who engages in battle; one who fights, whether in single combat or in an army or a fleet.n. A person who contends with another in argument or controversy.n. A name of the ruff, Machetes pugnax. See ruff.n. In heraldry, a figure drawn like a sword-player standing upon his guard.