What is "running fight"

Fight \Fight\, n. [OE. fight, feht, AS. feoht. See Fight, v. i.]

1. A battle; an engagement; a contest in arms; a combat; a violent conflict or struggle for victory, between individuals or between armies, ships, or navies, etc.

   Who now defies thee thrice to single fight.
   --Milton.

2. A struggle or contest of any kind.

3. Strength or disposition for fighting; pugnacity; as, he has a great deal of fight in him. [Colloq.]

4. A screen for the combatants in ships. [Obs.]

   Up with your fights, and your nettings prepare.
   --Dryden.

   Running fight, a fight in which the enemy is continually chased; also, one which continues without definite end or result.

   Syn: Combat; engagement; contest; struggle; encounter; fray; affray; action; conflict. See Battle.