Dis*pute" (?), v. i. [imp. & p.
p. Disputed; p. pr. & vb. n.
Disputing.] [OE. desputen, disputen, OF.
desputer, disputer, F. disputer, from L.
disputare, disputatum; dis- + putare to
clean; hence, fig., to clear up, set in order, reckon, think. See
Putative, Pure.] To contend in argument; to argue
against something maintained, upheld, or claimed, by another; to
discuss; to reason; to debate; to altercate; to wrangle.
Therefore disputed [reasoned, Rev. Ver.]
he in synagogue with the Jews.
Acts xvii. 17.
Dis*pute", v. t. 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.
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.
3. To strive or contend about; to
contest.
To dispute the possession of the ground with
the Spaniards.
Prescott.
4. To struggle against; to resist.
[Obs.]
Dispute it [grief] like a man.
Shak.
Syn. -- To controvert; contest; gainsay; doubt; question;
argue; debate; discuss; impugn. See Argue.
Dis*pute", n. [Cf. F. dispute.
See Dispute, v. i.] 1.
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.
2. Contest; struggle; quarrel. De
Foe.
Beyond dispute, Without
dispute, indisputably; incontrovertibly.
Syn. -- Altercation; controversy; argumentation; debate;
discussion; quarrel; disagreement; difference; contention; wrangling.
See Altercation.
