CONTEST, verb transitive [Latin , have a different sense, being equivalent to the English attest. See Test.] 1. To dispute; to strive earnestly to hold or maintain; to struggle to defend. The troops contested every inch of ground. 2. To dispute; to argue in opposition to; to controvert; to litigate; to oppose; to call in question; as, the advocate contested every point. None have contested the proportion of these ancient pieces. CONTEST, verb intransitive 1. To strive; to contend; followed by with. The difficulty of an argument adds to the pleasure of contesting with it, when there are hopes of victory. 2. To vie; to emulate. Of man who dares in pomp with Jove contest CONTEST, noun 1. Strife; struggle for victory, superiority, or in defense; struggle in arms. All Europe engaged in the contest against France. The contest was furious. 2. Dispute; debate; violent controversy; strife in argument. Leave all noisy contests, all immodest clamors, and brawling language.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI