Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Combatant
Com′bat·ant (kŏm′băt·ant), a. [F. combattant, p. pr.] Contending; disposed to contend. B. Jonson.
Com′bat·ant, n. [F. combattant.] One who engages in combat. "The mighty combatants." Milton.
A controversy which long survived the original combatants. Macaulay