Legal Definitions - brawl

A brawl is a noisy fight or argument. It can also refer to the offense of engaging in such a fight or argument. In some places, this offense is considered a civil misdemeanor. In the past, it was also used to describe disturbances in a church or churchyard.

• After a few too many drinks, a brawl broke out between two groups of people at the bar.
• The police were called to break up a brawl that had erupted at a high school football game.
• In the past, people could be charged with brawling if they caused a disturbance in a church or churchyard.

These examples illustrate how a brawl can refer to a physical fight or argument that is loud and disruptive. It can happen in different settings, such as a bar or a school, and can involve different groups of people. In the past, it was also used to describe disturbances in a church or churchyard, which shows how the term has evolved over time.