Definition

Noun: 1. An ancient racket game: A game that is a historical precursor to modern badminton, played with a simple racket (battledore) and a feathered projectile (shuttlecock), where players hit the shuttlecock back and forth without letting it touch the ground.

Usage

• The term "battledore and shuttlecock" refers specifically to the historical game itself. It is used as a singular noun phrase to name the activity.
• Example:

Examples

• The painting depicted children playing battledore and shuttlecock on the lawn.
• Battledore and shuttlecock required skill to keep the shuttlecock in the air for as long as possible.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used metaphorically to describe a rapid, back-and-forth exchange, similar to a rally in the game itself.
  • Example: The debate turned into a verbal battledore and shuttlecock, with each candidate quickly countering the other's points.

Variants and Related Words

• Battledore (noun): The simple, paddle-like racket used in the game.
• Shuttlecock (noun): The projectile, traditionally made of cork and feathers, used in both this game and in badminton.
• Badminton (noun): The modern racket sport that developed from battledore and shuttlecock, played on a court with a net and formalized rules.

Synonyms

• Historical game
• Precursor to badminton

Notes

• "Battledore and shuttlecock" is considered a single, compound noun naming the game. It is an example of a historical term for a specific pastime.
• The game focused on cooperation and endurance (keeping the shuttlecock airborne) rather than competition over a net.

Noun

1. an ancient racket game