Strife; struggle; a violent effort to obtain something, or to resist a person, claim or injury; contest; quarrel. Multitudes lost their lives in a tumult raised by contention among the partizans of the several colors.

Strife in words or debate; quarrel; angry contest; controversy. Avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law. Titus 3:9. A fools lips enter into contention. Proverbs 18:6.

Strife or endeavor to excel; emulation.

Eagerness; zeal; ardor; vehemence of endeavor. This is an end worthy of our utmost contention to obtain.