How Do You Spell BATTLEDORE?

Pronunciation: [bˈatə͡ldˌɔː] (IPA)

Battledore is a rarely used word which refers to an old fashioned racket sport. It is spelled as /ˈbætəldɔː/. The word is composed of two parts: battle and dore. /ˈbætəl/ is spelled as battle and /dɔː/ is spelled as dore. The word’s unique spelling is likely due to its age; Battledore was first used in the 16th century, before standardized spelling was established. Despite its obscurity, Battledore can be a fun word to use in conversation or in word games.

BATTLEDORE Meaning and Definition

1. A battledore refers to a lightweight racquet-like sports equipment mainly used for playing a game known as battledore and shuttlecock. This game is considered a predecessor of modern badminton and was popular during the 17th and 18th centuries. The battledore consists of a handle that is attached to a flat, oval-shaped head, typically made of wood or other lightweight materials.

   In the game, two players stand opposite each other and strike a shuttlecock, a small feathered projectile, back and forth using the battledore. The objective is to prevent the shuttlecock from touching the ground while trying to make it touch the opponent's area or boundary. The gameplay requires skill, agility, and good hand-eye coordination.

   Apart from its usage in battledore and shuttlecock, the term "battledore" can also refer to a child's toy or educational tool. In this context, it typically consists of a flat wooden board or paddle with printed or illustrated designs on one side. It is intended for educational purposes, helping children learn language, letters, numbers, or simple illustrations.

   The term "battledore" has its origins in the 16th century, derived from the Middle English word "batyldour," which means a small bat or paddle. The popularity of battledore and shuttlecock gradually declined at the end of the 18th century, making the term less common in contemporary usage. Nonetheless, it remains an integral part of the history of racquet sports and childhood toys.

2. A toy used in play, with a handle and fiat part, for striking a shuttlecock upwards.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BATTLEDORE

• vattledore
• nattledore
• hattledore
• gattledore
• bzttledore
• bsttledore
• bwttledore
• bqttledore
• battledor
• battledoer

Etymology of BATTLEDORE

The word "battledore" has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Old French word "batellere", which meant "a paddle or a beater". This term later evolved into "batelour" in Middle English, and ultimately transformed into "battledore" during the 16th century. The original sense of the word referred to a paddle-like instrument that was used to beat or strike, and it was primarily associated with the game of badminton. Over time, the term extended to describe similar implements used in other sports and activities, such as tennis.

Idioms with the word BATTLEDORE

• not know B from a battledore The idiom "not know B from a battledore" means to be completely ignorant or unfamiliar with something. "Battledore" refers to a wooden paddle used in a game similar to badminton, while "B" is used as a placeholder for any other subject or object. Thus, this idiom implies that the person has no knowledge or understanding of B, being as clueless as someone who cannot distinguish B from a simple household item like a battledore.

Similar spelling words for BATTLEDORE

• battle dress,
• bottle tree,
• bottle-tree,
• battle damage,
• bottletree.

Plural form of BATTLEDORE is BATTLEDORES