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[[Image:Melee.jpg|thumb|450px|An example of a melee]]

[[Image:Melee.jpg|thumb|450px|An example of a melee]]

A '''melee''' is a [[medieval]] term for disorganized group [[combat]]. Frequently a melee would occur if the combattants on one side were not a rigorously trained [[army]], but rather were a [[militia]], a mob of local [[peasant]]s, or a ragtag group of [[mercenary|mercenaries]]. The term was generalized to mean any closed combat, as opposed to firefight from distance. For example, melee was an important part of battles in the [[Napoleon]]ic age, mostly fought by highly skilled and organized troops.

A '''melee''' is a [[medieval]] term for disorganized group [[combat]]. Frequently a melee would occur if the combatants on one side were not a rigorously trained [[army]], but rather were a [[militia]], a mob of local [[peasant]]s, or a ragtag group of [[mercenary|mercenaries]]. The term was generalized to mean any closed combat, as opposed to firefight from distance. For example, melee was an important part of battles in the [[Napoleon]]ic age, mostly fought by highly skilled and organized troops.

The term comes from the French word ''mélée'', the feminine benefactive form of the verb ''méler'' (alternately ''medeler''). This verb means ''to mix'' and is related to the English words ''medley'' and ''mettle''.

The term comes from the French word ''mélée'', the feminine benefactive form of the verb ''méler'' (alternately ''medeler''). This verb means ''to mix'' and is related to the English words ''medley'' and ''mettle''.

In many [[role-playing game]]s '''melee''' refers to combat that is conducted at close quarters, usually with a physical weapon such as a [[sword]] or [[battle axe]]. This is most commonly seen contrast to ranged weapons, such as [[Bow (weapon)|bows]], or the use of [[magic]].

In many [[role-playing game]]s '''melee''' refers to combat that is conducted at close quarters, usually with a physical weapon such as a [[sword]] or [[battle axe]]. This is most commonly seen contrast to ranged weapons, such as [[Bow (weapon)|bows]], or the use of [[magic]].

[[Category:War]]

[[Category:War]]