The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Contend \Con*tend"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Contended; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Contending.] [OF. contendre, L. contendere, -tentum;
   con- + tendere to strech. See Tend.]
   1. To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie;
      to quarrel; to fight.
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            For never two such kingdoms did contend
            Without much fall of blood.           --Shak.
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            The Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites,
            neither contend with them in battle.  --Deut. ii. 9.
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            In ambitious strength I did
            Contend against thy valor.            --Shak.
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   2. To struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain
      possession of, or to defend.
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            You sit above, and see vain men below
            Contend for what you only can bestow. --Dryden.
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   3. To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute;
      to argue.
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            The question which our author would contend for.
                                                  --Locke.
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            Many things he fiercely contended about were
            trivial.                              --Dr. H. More.

   Syn: To struggle; fight; combat; vie; strive; oppose;
        emulate; contest; litigate; dispute; debate.
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