to engage in combat for; to strive for.-to contend for in words or arguments; to strive to maintain by reasoning; to dispute; to contest; to discuss; to argue for and against.-to engage in strife or combat; to fight.-to contend in words; to dispute; hence, to deliberate; to consider; to discuss or examine different arguments in the mind; -- often followed by on or upon.-a fight or fighting; contest; strife.-contention in words or arguments; discussion for the purpose of elucidating truth or influencing action; strife in argument; controversy; as, the debates in parliament or in congress.-subject of discussion.