Controversy, n.; pl. Controversies.
Etymology: [L. controversia, fr. controversus turned against, disputed; contro- = contra + versus, p.p. of vertere to turn. See Verse.]
1. 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.
2. Quarrel; strife; cause of variance; difference. The Lord hath a controversy with the nations. Jer. xxv. 31.
3. 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.