Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Contentious
Con-ten′tious
,Adj.
[L.
contentiosus
: cf. F. contentieux
.] 1.
Fond of contention; given to angry debate; provoking dispute or contention; quarrelsome.
Despotic and
contentious
temper. Macaulay.
2.
Relating to contention or strife; involving or characterized by contention.
Spenser.
More cheerful, though not less
contentious
, regions. Brougham.
3.
(Law)
Contested; litigated; litigious; having power to decide controversy.
– Con-ten′tious-ly
, adv.
Con-ten′tious-ness
, Noun.
Webster 1828 Edition
Contentious
CONTENTIOUS
,Adj.
1.
Apt to contend; given to angry debate; quarrelsome; perverse.A continual dropping in a rainy day, and a contentious woman are alike. Proverbs 27.
2.
Relating to contention in law; relating to litigation; having power to decide causes between contending parties; as a court of contentious jurisdiction.3.
Exciting or adapted to provoke contention or disputes; as a contentious subject.