Con-tĕn′tious, a.
(-tĕn′shŭs), a. [Lat. contentiosus, Fr. contentieux, Sp. contencioso, It. contenzioso.]
Sense 1. Apt to contend; given to angry debate; provoking dispute or contention; quarrelsome. “Despotic and contentious temper.” Macaulay.
Midst a contentious world, striving where none are strong. Byron.
Sense 2. Relating to contention or strife; involving contention. “Contentious crimes.” Spenser.
Contentious jurisdiction, that branch of English ecclesiastical law which is exercised upon matters in controversy between parties, in contradistinction to voluntary jurisdiction, or that exercised upon matters not opposed or controverted. Burrill.
Synonyms—Quarrelsome; pugnacious; dissensious; wrangling; litigious; perverse; peevish.