Quarrel /(?)/

Quar·rel

Quarrel

n.
  1. An arrow for a crossbow; -- so named because it commonly had a square head. [Obs.]
    To shoot with arrows and quarrel.
    — Sir J. Mandeville.
    Two arblasts, . . . with windlaces and quarrels.
  2. Any small square or quadrangular member (Arch.)
  3. A glazier's diamond.
  4. A four-sided cutting tool or chisel having a diamond-shaped end.

Quarrel

n.
  1. A breach of concord, amity, or obligation; a falling out; a difference; a disagreement; an antagonism in opinion, feeling, or conduct; esp., an angry dispute, contest, or strife; a brawl; an altercation; as, he had a quarrel with his father about expenses.
    I will bring a sword upon you that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant.
    — Lev. xxvi. 25.
    On open seas their quarrels they debate.
  2. Ground of objection, dislike, difference, or hostility; cause of dispute or contest; occasion of altercation.
    Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him.
    — Mark vi. 19.
    No man hath any quarrel to me.
    He thought he had a good quarrel to attack him.
    — Holinshed.
  3. Earnest desire or longing. [Obs.]

Phrases & Compounds

To pick a quarrel
See under Pick, v. t.

Quarrel

v. i.

imp. & p. p. Quarreled; p. pr. & vb. n. Quarreling

  1. To violate concord or agreement; to have a difference; to fall out; to be or become antagonistic.
    Our people quarrel with obedience.
    But some defect in her Did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed.
  2. To dispute angrily, or violently; to wrangle; to scold; to altercate; to contend; to fight.
    Beasts called sociable quarrel in hunger and lust.
  3. To find fault; to cavil; as, to quarrel with one's lot.
    I will not quarrel with a slight mistake.
    — Roscommon.

Quarrel

v. t.
  1. To quarrel with. [R.]
  2. To compel by a quarrel; as, to quarrel a man out of his estate or rights.

Quarrel

n.
  1. One who quarrels or wrangles; one who is quarrelsome.