Melee is a noun meaning a confused, noisy fight or scuffle, often involving multiple people. In martial contexts it also describes close-quarters hand-to-hand combat. The term conveys chaotic action rather than a formal, orderly duel, and is frequently used to describe crowd violence or chaotic combat situations. It originated in French and entered English in the 17th century to denote a disorderly mêlée of people.
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