v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Contended; p. pr. & vb. n. Contending. ] [ OF. contendre, L. contendere, -tentum; con- + tendere to strech. See Tend. ] 1. To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight. [ 1913 Webster ]

For never two such kingdoms did contend
Without much fall of blood. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

The Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle. Deut. ii. 9. [ 1913 Webster ]

In ambitious strength I did
Contend against thy valor. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend. [ 1913 Webster ]

You sit above, and see vain men below
Contend for what you only can bestow. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue. [ 1913 Webster ]

The question which our author would contend for. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

Many things he fiercely contended about were trivial. Dr. H. More.

Syn. -- To struggle; fight; combat; vie; strive; oppose; emulate; contest; litigate; dispute; debate. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To struggle for; to contest. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Carthage shall contend the world with Rome.Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. contendens, p. pr. ] An antagonist; a contestant. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

In all notable changes and revolutions the contendents have been still made a prey to the third party. L'Estrange. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who contends; a contestant. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A female contestant. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]