Engaged in warfare, warring. Also: disposed towards war; warlike. Frequently metaphorically of the Church (see church militant n. at church, n.1 adj.…

That wages war; that serves, or takes part, in war; militant. Also figurative.

Waging or carrying on regular recognized war; actually engaged in hostilities; formerly also said of warlike engines, and the like.

That makes or carries on war; that contends in warfare. (Now chiefly with plural subject and the implication ‘mutually’.)

That operates.

Waging war; belligerent.

(See quots.)

(also absol., a persecutor = warrior, n. 1).