ETYMOLOGY
from Latin digladiari from di-, dis- (asunder, in different directions) + gladius (a sword)
EXAMPLE
“…For what else are the Writings of many men, but mutual Pasquils and Satyrs against each others lives, wherein digladiating like Eschines and Demosthenes, they reciprocally lay open each others filthiness to the view and scorn of the world. The fear therefore of being stained, and publickly disgraced, might be reason enough to keep them back from entring these contentions. …”
From: Golden Remains of the Ever Memorable Mr. John Hales
By John Hales, 1659
Lexicophilia 