duelist

A duelist is a person who engages in a formal combat known as a duel, typically undertaken to settle a matter of honor or grievance between two individuals. Duels were organized under agreed rules and were common in many parts of Europe and the Americas from the 16th through the 19th century.

Dueling procedures varied by region, but common elements included the use of seconds to verify the challenge, decide terms, and ensure fair play; the selection of weapons, most often swords such as the rapier or sabre, or pistols in pistol duels; and a specified location and time. The outcome was uncertain and could be fatal or cause serious injury.

Codes of conduct, such as the code of honor and various national or regional dueling codes, sought to regulate initiation, execution, and reconciliation after a duel. Despite formal norms, dueling could escalate into violence and was prohibited by law in many jurisdictions, with penalties ranging from fines or punishment to criminal charges.

The practice declined in the 19th century amid legal prohibitions, changing social attitudes, and the professionalization of dispute resolution. Many famous duels—such as the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr (1804)—highlighted its cultural prominence and risks. In modern times, dueling survives mainly in historical reenactments, literature, and as a symbolic motif; the term duelist also appears in games and media to describe competitors who engage in formal challenges.