01 a. Fond of contention; given to angry debate; provoking dispute or contention; quarrelsome.
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1.
Fond of contention; given to angry debate; provoking dispute or contention; quarrelsome.“Despotic and contentious temper.” — Macaulay.
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2.
Relating to contention or strife; involving or characterized by contention.“More cheerful, though not less contentious, regions.” — Brougham.
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3.
Contested; litigated; litigious; having power to decide controversy.(Law)
Phrases & compounds
Contentious jurisdiction —
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.