A dispute where there is strong disagreement

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Contestation \Con`tes*ta"tion\, n. [L. contestatio testimony: cf. F. contestation a contesting.] The act of contesting; emulation; rivalry; strife; dispute. ``Loverlike contestation.'' --Milton. After years spent in domestic, unsociable contestations, ...

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement; "they were involved in a violent argument" [syn: controversy , contention , disputation , disceptation , tilt , argument , arguing ]

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1540s, from Latin contestationem (nominative contestatio ), "an attesting, testimony," noun of action from past participle stem of contestari (see contest (v.)).

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 The act of contesting; emulation; rivalry; strife; dispute. 2 Proof by witness; attestation; testimony.