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.]

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)