What is "to join issue"

Issue \Is"sue\ ([i^]sh"[-u]), n. [OF. issue, eissue, F. issue, fr. OF. issir, eissir, to go out, L. exire; ex out of, from + ire to go, akin to Gr. 'ie`nai, Skr. i, Goth. iddja went, used as prefect of gaggan to go. Cf. Ambition, Count a nobleman, Commence, Errant, Exit, Eyre, Initial, Yede went.]

1. The act of passing or flowing out; a moving out from any inclosed place; egress; as, the issue of water from a pipe, of blood from a wound, of air from a bellows, of people from a house.

2. The act of sending out, or causing to go forth; delivery; issuance; as, the issue of an order from a commanding officer; the issue of money from a treasury.

3. That which passes, flows, or is sent out; the whole quantity sent forth or emitted at one time; as, an issue of bank notes; the daily issue of a newspaper.

4. Progeny; a child or children; offspring. In law, sometimes, in a general sense, all persons descended from a common ancestor; all lineal descendants.

   If the king Should without issue die.
   --Shak.

5. Produce of the earth, or profits of land, tenements, or other property; as, A conveyed to B all his right for a term of years, with all the issues, rents, and profits.

6. A discharge of flux, as of blood.
   --Matt. ix. 20.

7. (Med.) An artificial ulcer, usually made in the fleshy part of the arm or leg, to produce the secretion and discharge of pus for the relief of some affected part.

8. The final outcome or result; upshot; conclusion; event; hence, contest; test; trial.

   Come forth to view The issue of the exploit.
   --Shak.

   While it is hot, I 'll put it to the issue.
   --Shak.

9. A point in debate or controversy on which the parties take affirmative and negative positions; a presentation of alternatives between which to choose or decide; a point of contention; a matter in controversy.

10. (Law) In pleading, a single material point of law or fact depending in the suit, which, being affirmed on the one side and denied on the other, is presented for determination. See General issue, under General, and Feigned issue, under Feigned.
    --Blount. Cowell.

    At issue, in controversy; disputed; opposing or contesting; hence, at variance; disagreeing; inconsistent.

    As much at issue with the summer day As if you brought a candle out of doors.
    --Mrs. Browning.

    Bank of issue, Collateral issue, etc. See under Bank, Collateral, etc.

    Issue pea, a pea, or a similar round body, used to maintain irritation in a wound, and promote the secretion and discharge of pus.

    To join issue, or To take issue, to take opposing sides in a matter in controversy.

Join \Join\ (join), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Joined (joind); p. pr. & vb. n. Joining.] [OE. joinen, joignen, F. joindre, fr. L. jungere to yoke, bind together, join; akin to jugum yoke. See Yoke, and cf. Conjugal, Junction, Junta.]

1. To bring together, literally or figuratively; to place in contact; to connect; to couple; to unite; to combine; to associate; to add; to append.

   Woe unto them that join house to house.
   --Is. v. 8.

   Held up his left hand, which did flame and burn Like twenty torches joined.
   --Shak.

   Thy tuneful voice with numbers join.
   --Dryden.

2. To associate one's self to; to be or become connected with; to league one's self with; to unite with; as, to join a party; to join the church.

   We jointly now to join no other head.
   --Dryden.

3. To unite in marriage.

   He that joineth his virgin in matrimony.
   --Wyclif.

   What, therefore, God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
   --Matt. xix. 6.

4. To enjoin upon; to command. [Obs. & R.]

   They join them penance, as they call it.
   --Tyndale.

5. To accept, or engage in, as a contest; as, to join encounter, battle, issue.
   --Milton.

6. To meet with and accompany; as, we joined them at the restaurant.

7. To combine with (another person) in performing some activity; as, join me in welcoming our new president.

   To join battle, To join issue. See under Battle, Issue.

   Syn: To add; annex; unite; connect; combine; consociate; couple; link; append. See Add.