CONTROVERSY, noun [Latin See Controvert.]

1. Dispute; debate; agitation of contrary opinions. A dispute is commonly oral, and a controversy in writing. Dispute is often or generally a debate of short duration, a temporary debate; a controversy is often oral and sometimes continued in books or in law for months or years.

This left no room for controversy about the title.

Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness. 1 Timothy 3:16.

2. A suit in law; a case in which opposing parties contend for their respective claims before a tribunal.

And by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried. Deuteronomy 21:5.

3. Dispute; opposition carried on.

The Lord hath a controversy with the nations. Jeremiah 25:31.

4. Opposition; resistance.

And stemming [the torrent] with hearts of controversy