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 ]

n. [ Pref. con- + tenement. ] (Law) That which is held together with another thing; that which is connected with a tenement, or thing holden, as a certain quantity of land adjacent to a dwelling, and necessary to the reputable enjoyment of the dwelling; appurtenance. Burrill. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ F. content, fr. L. contentus, p. p. of contenire to hold together, restrain. See Contain. ] Contained within limits; hence, having the desires limited by that which one has; not disposed to repine or grumble; satisfied; contented; at rest. [ 1913 Webster ]

Having food and rai ment, let us be therewith content. 1 Tim. vi. 8. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; usually in pl., Contents. 1. That which is contained; the thing or things held by a receptacle or included within specified limits; as, the contents of a cask or bale or of a room; the contents of a book. [ 1913 Webster ]

I shall prove these writings . . . authentic, and the contents true, and worthy of a divine original. Grew. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Power of containing; capacity; extent; size. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Strong ship's, of great content. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Geom.) Area or quantity of space or matter contained within certain limits; as, solid contents; superficial contents. [ 1913 Webster ]

The geometrical content, figure, and situation of all the lands of a kingdom. Graunt. [ 1913 Webster ]

Table of contents, or
Contents, a table or list of topics in a book, showing their order and the place where they may be found: a summary. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ F. contenter, LL. contentare, fr. L. contentus, p. p. See Content, a. ] 1. To satisfy the desires of; to make easy in any situation; to appease or quiet; to gratify; to please. [ 1913 Webster ]

Do not content yourselves with obscure and confused ideas, where clearer are to be attained. I. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]

Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them. Mark xv. 15. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To satisfy the expectations of; to pay; to requite. [ 1913 Webster ]

Come the next Sabbath, and I will content you. Shak.

Syn. -- To satisfy; appease; please. See Satiate. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. Rest or quietness of the mind in one's present condition; freedom from discontent; satisfaction; contentment; moderate happiness. [ 1913 Webster ]

Such is the fullness of my heart's content. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Acquiescence without examination. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The sense they humbly take upon content. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That which contents or satisfies; that which if attained would make one happy. [ 1913 Webster ]

So will I in England work your grace's full content. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Eng. House of Lords) An expression of assent to a bill or motion; an affirmative vote; also, a member who votes “Content.”. [ 1913 Webster ]

Supposing the number of “Contents” and “Not contents” strictly equal in number and consequence. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]