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.
Hear it pronounced