The Collaborative International Dictionary
List \List\ (l[i^]st), n. [F. lice, LL. liciae, pl., from L.
licium thread, girdle.]
A line inclosing or forming the extremity of a piece of
ground, or field of combat; hence, in the plural (lists), the
ground or field inclosed for a race or combat.
--Chaucer.
In measured lists to toss the weighty lance.
--Pope.
To enter the lists, to accept a challenge, or engage in contest.
Usage examples of "to enter the lists".
By the time he caught up with me, he had recovered sufficiently to enter the lists again, and was burning for revenge.
He had been selected by the district attorney to enter the lists against the hitherto invincible Perry Mason because of that quickness of mind.
And Ylith told them about the great Millennial contest, and about Azzie, and about how he was going to enter the lists against the Powers of Good by utilizing two human creatures, resuscitated and set into an inverted fairy tale of ominous import.
The Democrats nominated Pudd'nhead Wilson for mayor, and he was left alone in this glory, for the Whigs had no man who was willing to enter the lists against such a formidable opponent.
Shortly after the company had recovered from the transports into which they were plunged, two servants entered the room, bearing in on trays small cups of spiced chocolate, prepared in such a way as to give the drinker strength to enter the lists of love ten or a dozen times.
And in a few years, when I am old enough to enter the lists, I shall do for them all.