<P> The term dogfight has been used for centuries to describe a melee : a fierce , fast - paced battle between two or more opponents . The term gained popularity during World War II although its origin in air combat can be traced to the latter years of World War I . The first written reference to the modern day usage of the word comes from Fly Papers , by A. E. Illingworth , in 1919 , `` The battle develops into a ' dog - fight ' , small groups of machines engaging each other in a fight to the death . '' </P>
<P> The term dogfight has been used for centuries to describe a melee : a fierce , fast - paced battle between two or more opponents . The term gained popularity during World War II although its origin in air combat can be traced to the latter years of World War I . The first written reference to the modern day usage of the word comes from Fly Papers , by A. E. Illingworth , in 1919 , `` The battle develops into a ' dog - fight ' , small groups of machines engaging each other in a fight to the death . '' </P>
where does the term dog fight come from
where does the term dog fight come from
Fly Papers , by A. E. Illingworth , in 1919
Fly Papers , by A. E. Illingworth , in 1919