Strīfe, n.
n. [O. Fr. estrif. See STRIVE.]
Sense 1. Exertion or contention for superiority; contest of emulation, either by intellectual or physical efforts. “Doting about questions and strifes of words.” 1 Tim. vi. 4.
Thus gods contended—noble strife— Who most should ease the wants of life. Congreve.
Sense 2. Contention in battle; contest; struggle for victory; quarrel or war.
Artificial strife Lives in these touches livelier than life. Shak.
These vows, thus granted, raised a strife above Betwixt the god of war and queen of love. Dryden.
Sense 3. That which is contended against; occasion of contest. “Lamenting her unlucky strife.” Spenser.
Synonyms—Contention; contest; struggle; quarrel. See CONTENTION.