to make a subject of dispute, contention, litigation, or emulation; to contend for; to call in question; to controvert; to oppose; to dispute.-to strive earnestly to hold or maintain; to struggle to defend; as, the troops contested every inch of ground.-to make a subject of litigation; to defend, as a suit; to dispute or resist; as a claim, by course of law; to controvert.-to engage in contention, or emulation; to contend; to strive; to vie; to emulate; -- followed usually by with.-earnest dispute; strife in argument; controversy; debate; altercation.-earnest struggle for superiority, victory, defense, etc.; competition; emulation; strife in arms; conflict; combat; encounter.