n. The furthest degree or extremity, going beyond bounds or propriety.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. The utmost or last extremity.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. The last extremity.
Word Usage
"But if the shield was touched with the sharp end of the lance, the combat was understood to be at outrance, that is, the knights were to fight with sharp weapons, as in actual battle."