Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CON-TEN'TIOUS, a. [Fr. contentieux; It contenzioso.]

1. Apt to contend; given to angry debate; quarrelsome; perverse. A continual dropping in a rainy day, and a contentious woman are alike. Prov. xxvii.
2. Relating to contention in law; relating to litigation; having power to decide causes between contending parties; as, a court of contentious jurisdiction. – Blackstone.
3. Exciting or adapted to provoke contention or disputes; as, a contentious subject. – Milner.