quarrel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an angry dispute
    run-in; wrangle; dustup; words; row.
    • they had a quarrel
    • they had words
  2. noun an arrow that is shot from a crossbow; has a head with four edges
  3. verb have a disagreement over something
    argufy; altercate; scrap; dispute.
    • We quarreled over the question as to who discovered America
    • These two fellows are always scrapping over something

WordNet

Quar"rel noun
Etymology
OE. quarel, OF. quarrel, F. carreau, LL. quadrellus, from L. quadrus square. See Quadrate, and cf. Quadrel, Quarry an arrow, Carrel.
Definitions
  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 noun
Etymology
OE. querele, OF. querele, F. querelle, fr. L. querela, querella, a complaint, fr. queri to complain. See Querulous.
Definitions
  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. Syn. -- Brawl; broil; squabble; affray; feud; tumult; contest; dispute; altercation; contention; wrangle.
Quar"rel intransitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Quarreled or Quarrelled; present participle & verbal noun Quarreling or Quarrelling
Definitions
  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 transitive verb
Definitions
  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 noun
Etymology
Written also quarreller.
Definitions
  1. One who quarrels or wrangles; one who is quarrelsome. Shak.

Webster 1913