intransitive. To take up an offensive or defensive position against an enemy in battle; (of soldiers) to be arranged in battle formation; to await…

Military. To keep forcibly against an adversary, defend; to keep possession of, occupy.

transitive. To hold, keep, defend (a place, position, or possession) against hostility or attack, actual or threatened. to maintain one's ground…

A fixed position or station. to holdor keep (one's) stale: to maintain one's position in battle.

intransitive. To make a stand; to stand firm, hold out. Obsolete.

To occupy or defend to the end (against an adversary).