a. [ L. contentiosus: cf. F. contentieux. ] 1. Fond of contention; given to angry debate; provoking dispute or contention; quarrelsome. [ 1913 Webster ]

Despotic and contentious temper. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Relating to contention or strife; involving or characterized by contention. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

More cheerful, though not less contentious, regions. Brougham. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) Contested; litigated; litigious; having power to decide controversy. [ 1913 Webster ]

Contentious jurisdiction (Eng. Eccl. Law), jurisdiction over matters in controversy between parties, in contradistinction to voluntary jurisdiction, or that exercised upon matters not opposed or controverted.

Syn. -- Quarrelsome; pugnacious; dissentious; wrangling; litigious; perverse; peevish.

-- Con*ten"tious*ly, adv. -- Con*ten"tious*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]