adjective

1. at war; designating or of a state recognized under international law as being engaged in a war
2. of war; of fighting
3. seeking war; warlike
4. showing a readiness to fight or quarrel a belligerent gesture or tone

Etymology: L belligerans, prp. of belligerare, to wage war < bellum, war (see bellicose) + gerere, to carry on

noun