i.e., impede the other's skill.

Shakespeare describes the battle between the rebel Macdonwald and King Duncan's men using imagery of two drowning swimmers, clawing at each other as they struggle to stay alive, death equally likely for either. Note that when Macbeth arrives, the battle quickly turns in Duncan's favor, and Macbeth ultimately kills Macdonwald himself, ripping him "from the nave to th' chops." (1.2.23)

Back to Macbeth (1.2)

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 Explanatory Notes for Lady Macbeth's Soliloquy (1.5)
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 Macbeth Plot Summary (Acts 1 and 2)
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 Shakespeare's Writing Style
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How to cite this article:

Mabillard, Amanda. Macbeth Glossary. Shakespeare Online. 20 Aug. 2000. (date when you accessed the information) < http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays
/macbeth/macbethglossary/macbeth1_1/macbethglos_chokeart.html >.