tournamentn.[OE. turnement, tornement, OF. torneiement, tornoiement, F. tournoiement a turning or wheeling round. See Tourney.]1. A mock fight, or warlike game, formerly in great favor, in which a number of combatants were engaged, as an exhibition of their address and bravery; hence, figuratively, a real battle.(Chaucer.)With cruel tournament the squadrons join. (Milton.)()2. Any contest of skill in which there are many contestents for championship; as, a chess tournament.()