Each pair of definitions is for two words, where the second word is the first word with a letter deleted (example: brand & band). The length of the first word in each pair is provided, along with the position of the deleted letter to obtain the second word.
1) range of vision (4 letters) & (delete 4th letter) to strive for victory
2) excessively severe (5 letters) & (delete 3rd letter) a chopped mixture of cooked meat and vegetables
3) a set of stairs, as between floors (6 letters) & (delete 2nd letter) to argue or quarrel
4) to rule out or prevent (8 letters) & (delete 4th letter) an introductory action preceding a more important one
