Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Quarrel?

\Quar"rel\, n. [OE. quarel, OF. quarrel, F. carreau, LL. quadrellus, from L. quadrus square. See {Quadrate}, and cf. {Quadrel}, {Quarry} an arrow, {Carrel}.] 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. --Sir W. Scott. 2. (Arch.) Any small square or quadrangular member; as: (a) A square of glass, esp. when set diagonally. (b) A small opening in window tracery, of which the cusps, etc., make the form nearly square. (c) A square or lozenge-shaped paving tile. 3. A glazier's diamond. --Simmonds. 4. A four-sided cutting tool or chisel having a diamond-shaped end.
\Quar"rel\, n. [OE. querele, OF. querele, F. querelle, fr. L. querela, querella, a complaint, fr. queri to complain. See {Querulous}.] 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. --Dryden. 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. --Shak. He thought he had a good quarrel to attack him. --Holinshed. 3. Earnest desire or longing. [Obs.] --Holland. {To pick a quarrel}. See under {Pick}, v. t. Syn: Brawl; broil; squabble; affray; feud; tumult; contest; dispute; altercation; contention; wrangle.
\Quar"rel\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Quarreled}or {Quarrelled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Quarreling} or {Quarrelling}.] 1. To violate concord or agreement; to have a difference; to fall out; to be or become antagonistic. Our people quarrel with obedience. --Shak. But some defect in her Did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed. --Shak. 2. To dispute angrily, or violently; to wrangle; to scold; to altercate; to contend; to fight. Beasts called sociable quarrel in hunger and lust. --Sir W. Temple. 3. To find fault; to cavil; as, to quarrel with one's lot. I will not quarrel with a slight mistake. --Roscommon.
\Quar"rel\, v. t. 1. To quarrel with. [R.] ``I had quarelled my brother purposely.'' --B. Jonson. 2. To compel by a quarrel; as, to quarrel a man out of his estate or rights.
\Quar"rel\, n. [Written also quarreller.] One who quarrels or wrangles; one who is quarrelsome. --Shak.