Con"tro*ver`sy (?), n.; pl. Controversies (#). [L. controversia, fr. controversus turned against, disputed; contro- = contra + versus, p.p. of vertere to turn. See Verse.]

1.

Contention; dispute; debate; discussion; agitation of contrary opinions.

This left no room for controversy about the title. Locke.

A dispute is commonly oral, and a controversy in writing. Johnson.

2.

Quarrel; strife; cause of variance; difference.

The Lord hath a controversy with the nations. Jer. xxv. 31.

3.

A suit in law or equity; a question of right.

[Obs.]

When any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment. 2 Sam. xv. 2.

Syn. -- Dispute; debate; disputation; disagreement; altercation; contention; wrangle; strife; quarrel.

 

© Webster 1913.

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