n. & v.
--n.
1. a process of contending; a competition.
2 a dispute; a controversy.
--v.tr.
1. challenge or dispute (a decision etc.).
2 debate (a point, statement, etc.).
3 contend or compete for (a prize, parliamentary seat, etc.); compete in (an election).
Derivatives:
contestable adj. contester n.
Etymology: L contestari (as COM-, testis witness)