n.; pl. Controversies /plu>. [ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
This left no room for controversy about the title. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]
A dispute is commonly oral, and a controversy in writing. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Quarrel; strife; cause of variance; difference. [ 1913 Webster ]
The Lord hath a controversy with the nations. Jer. xxv. 31. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. A suit in law or equity; a question of right. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ]