Lewis & Short

dēpugnātĭo, ōnis, f. [depugno], a violent fighting, eager contest (ante- and postclass.).

  1. I. Prop., Cato ap. Non. 204, 32; Veg. Mil. 3, 30 et saep.
  2. II. Transf.
    1. A. Of debate: forensium certaminum depugnationes, Firm. Math. 4 praef.
    2. B. A defacing: humani oris, Tert. Spect. 18.