Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VIE, v.i. [Sax. wigan, to war, to contend, that is, to strain, to urge, to press. See Victor.]

To strive for superiority; to contend; to use effort in a race, contest, competition, rivalship or strife. How delightful it is to see children vie with each other in diligence and in duties of obedience. In a trading nation, the younger sons may be placed in a way of life to vie with the best of their family. – Addison.