1. (v. t.) To engage in combat for; to strive for.

2. (v. t.) To contend for in words or arguments; to strive to maintain by reasoning; to dispute; to contest; to discuss; to argue for and against.

3. (v. i.) To engage in strife or combat; to fight.

4. (v. i.) To contend in words; to dispute; hence, to deliberate; to consider; to discuss or examine different arguments in the mind; -- often followed by on or upon.

5. (n.) A fight or fighting; contest; strife.

6. (v. t.) Contention in words or arguments; discussion for the purpose of elucidating truth or influencing action; strife in argument; controversy; as, the debates in Parliament or in Congress.

7. (v. t.) Subject of discussion.