I. noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish dialect skvabbel dispute, Norwegian skvabbe to chatter, babble, rant; probably of imitative origin
1. : a noisy altercation usually over something insignificant : wrangle
a mere squabble in the children's schoolroom — Alan Moorehead
she could better endure a howling brawl … a shrill squabble of shrews — Jean Stafford
2.
a. : a futile, aimless, and usually continuous quarrel : bickering
because the committee has become the center of a political squabble , it seems unlikely that anything will ever come of its activities — Henry LaCossitt
b. : a minor and often recurrent disagreement (as between groups) : dispute
recalled the jurisdictional squabbles of the 15th century — Paul Johnson
an unresolved squabble with the West — William Clark
Synonyms: see quarrel
II. verb
( squabbled ; squabbled ; squabbling -b(ə)liŋ ; squabbles )
intransitive verb
1. : to quarrel noisily and to no purpose : wrangle
fight and squabble among themselves in complete and vigorous disregard of any color line — Cabell Phillips
doctors, nurses, the administrator, and the trustees squabbled constantly — Newsweek
2. of type : to become squabbled
transitive verb
: to disarrange (set type) so that the letters or lines stand awry or are mixed and need readjustment — compare pi IV