Controversy

Con"tro*ver`sy (?), n.; pl. Controversies (#). [L. controversia, fr. controversus turned against, disputed; contro- = contra + versus, p. p. of vertere to turn. See Verse.] 1. Contention; dispute; debate; discussion; agitation of contrary opinions.

This left no room for controversy about the title.
Locke.

A dispute is commonly oral, and a controversy in writing.
Johnson.

2. Quarrel; strife; cause of variance; difference.

The Lord hath a controversy with the nations.
Jer. xxv. 31.

3. A suit in law or equity; a question of right. [Obs.]

When any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment.
2 Sam. xv. 2.

Syn. -- Dispute; debate; disputation; disagreement; altercation; contention; wrangle; strife; quarrel.