Difference \Dif"fer*ence\, n. [F. diff['e]rence, L. differentia.]

1. The act of differing; the state or measure of being different or unlike; distinction; dissimilarity; unlikeness; variation; as, a difference of quality in paper; a difference in degrees of heat, or of light; what is the difference between the innocent and the guilty?

Differencies of administration, but the same Lord. --1 Cor. xii. 5.

2. Disagreement in opinion; dissension; controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in controversy.

What was the difference? It was a contention in public. --Shak.

Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the old warden and the young constable to compose their difference as they could. --T. Ellwood.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Difference \Dif"fer*ence\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Differenced; p. pr. & vb. n. Differencing.]

To cause to differ; to make different; to mark as different; to distinguish.

Thou mayest difference gods from men. --Chapman.

Kings, in receiving justice and undergoing trial, are not differenced from the meanest subject. --Milton.

So completely differenced by their separate and individual characters that we at once acknowledge them as distinct persons. --Sir W. Scott.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)