1. A hunt in which game is driven toward hunters by beaters; also, the slaughter of game in such a hunt.
Usage: hunting term; often implies large-scale or indiscriminate killing
2. A confused or disorderly rout or slaughter, especially of an enemy in retreat.
Usage: military or historical context

Examples

• The estate organized an elaborate battue for the visiting dignitaries.
• Hundreds of pheasants were killed in the battue.
• The general's forces inflicted a terrible battue on the retreating army.
• A battue differs from stalking because the game is driven toward the guns.
• The battue resulted in the capture of numerous prisoners and supplies.