The Collaborative International Dictionary
Controversy \Con"tro*ver`sy\, n.; pl. Controversies. [L. controversia, fr. controversus turned against, disputed; contro- = contra + versus, p. p. of vertere to turn. See Verse.]
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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. -
Quarrel; strife; cause of variance; difference.
The Lord hath a controversy with the nations.
--Jer. xxv. 31. -
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.
Wiktionary
n. (plural of controversy English)