Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FIGHT, v.i. [pret. and pp. fought, pronounced faut. Sax. feahtan, feohtan; G. fechten; D. vegten; Sw. fäckta; Dan. fegter; Ir. fichim.]

1. To strive or contend for victory, in battle or in single combat: to attempt to defeat, subdue or destroy an enemy, either by blows or weapons; to contend in arms. Come and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon. Judges xi. When two persons or parties contend in person, fight is usually followed by with. But when we speak of carrying on war, in any other form, we may say, to fight against. Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side. 1 Sam. xiv. Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath. 2 Kings xii. It is treason for a man to join an enemy to fight against his country. Hence, To fight against, is to act in opposition; to oppose; to strive to conquer or resist. The stars in their courses fought against Sisera. Judges v.
2. To contend; to strive; to struggle to resist or check.
3. To act as a soldier. Shak.