Synonyms:
melee, scrimmage, battle_royal
Meaning: a noisy riotous fight
Usage examples
In such a melee as then followed, that trooper was lucky indeed who escaped without a scratch.
The Marechal de la Meilleraie added that in case the coadjutor should appear on the field of battle it would be a pity that he should not be distinguished in the melee by wearing a red hat, as Henry IV. had been distinguished by his white plume at the battle of Ivry.