Con·tro·ver·sy n.; pl. Controversies .
  1. Contention; dispute; debate; discussion; agitation of contrary opinions.
     This left no room for controversy about the title.   --Locke.
     A dispute is commonly oral, and a controversy in writing.   --Johnson.
  2. Quarrel; strife; cause of variance; difference.
     The Lord hath a controversy with the nations.   --Jer. xxv. 31.
  3. A suit in law or equity; a question of right. [Obs.]
     When any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment.   --2 Sam. xv. 2.
  Syn: -- Dispute; debate; disputation; disagreement; altercation; contention; wrangle; strife; quarrel.
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