Contend \Con*tend"\, 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.

For never two such kingdoms did contend
Without much fall of blood. --Shak.

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

In ambitious strength I did
Contend against thy valor. --Shak.

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

You sit above, and see vain men below
Contend for what you only can bestow. --Dryden.

3. To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute;
to argue.

The question which our author would contend for.
--Locke.

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

Syn: To struggle; fight; combat; vie; strive; oppose;
emulate; contest; litigate; dispute; debate.