To dispute; to strive earnestly to hold or maintain; to struggle to defend. The troops contested every inch of ground.

To dispute; to argue in opposition to; to controvert; to litigate; to oppose; to call in question; as, the advocate contested every point. None have contested the proportion of these ancient pieces.

To strive; to contend; followed by with. The difficulty of an argument adds to the pleasure of contesting with it, when there are hopes of victory.

To vie; to emulate. Of man who dares in pomp with Jove contest.

Strife; struggle for victory, superiority, or in defense; struggle in arms. All Europe engaged in the contest against France. The contest was furious.

Dispute; debate; violent controversy; strife in argument. Leave all noisy contests, all immodest clamors, and brawling language.