What does "dispute" mean?

Dispute: 1. To make a subject of disputation; to argue pro and con; to discuss. The rest I reserve it be disputed how the magistrate is to do herein. Milton.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To oppose by argument or assertion; to attempt to overthrow; to controvert; to express dissent or opposition to; to call in question; to deny the truth or validity of; as, to dispute assertions or arguments. To seize goods under the disputed authority of writs of assistance. Bancroft.
  2. 3.To strive or contend about; to contest. To dispute the possession of the ground with the Spaniards. Prescott.
  3. 4.To struggle against; to resist. [Obs.] Dispute it [grief] like a man. Shak. See Argue.
  4. 5.Verbal controversy; contest by opposing argument or expression of opposing views or claims; controversial discussion; altercation; debate. Addicted more To contemplation and profound dispute. Milton.
  5. 6.Contest; struggle; quarrel. De Foe. Beyond dispute, Without dispute, indisputably; incontrovertibly. See Altercation.

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