a. [ L. disputants, p. pr. of disputare: cf. F. disputant. See Dispute, v. i. ] Disputing; engaged in controversy. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. One who disputes; one who argues in opposition to another; one appointed to dispute; a controvertist; a reasoner in opposition. [ 1913 Webster ]
A singularly eager, acute, and pertinacious disputant. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]