- Contending
- Contend Con*tend", v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Contended}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Contending}.] [OF. contendre, L. contendere, -tentum;
con- + tendere to strech. See {Tend}.]
1. To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie;
to quarrel; to fight.
[1913 Webster]
For never two such kingdoms did contend Without much fall of blood. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
The Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle. --Deut. ii. 9. [1913 Webster]
In ambitious strength I did Contend against thy valor. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2. To struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend. [1913 Webster]
You sit above, and see vain men below Contend for what you only can bestow. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
3. To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue. [1913 Webster]
The question which our author would contend for. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
Many things he fiercely contended about were trivial. --Dr. H. More.
Syn: To struggle; fight; combat; vie; strive; oppose; emulate; contest; litigate; dispute; debate. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.