Squabble
['skwɒb(ə)l] or ['skwɑbl]
Definition
(v. i.) To contend for superiority in an unseemly maner; to scuffle; to struggle; to wrangle; to quarrel.
(v. i.) To debate peevishly; to dispute.
(v. t.) To disarrange, so that the letters or lines stand awry or are mixed and need careful readjustment; -- said of type that has been set up.
(n.) A scuffle; a wrangle; a brawl.
Edited by Davy
Synonyms and Synonymous
v. n. Quarrel, wrangle, dispute, contend, fight, jangle, TIFF.
n. Brawl, wrangle, dispute, petty quarrel.
Inputed by Evelyn
Definition
v.i. to dispute in a noisy manner: to wrangle.—n. a noisy petty quarrel: a brawl.—n. Squabb′ler.
Edited by Barton
Examples
- It is one of the failings of human nature to lay claim to that which somebody else has obtained, and is an old story which finds its first illustration in the squabbles of childhood. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- But he represented them very essentially, they were far behind, out of date, squabbling for their material equality. D. H. Lawrence. Women in Love .
- Family squabbling is the greatest evil of all, and we had better do anything than be altogether by the ears. Jane Austen. Mansfield Park.
- They all squabbled about divisions and only killed them when they got them. Ernest Hemingway. A Farewell To Arms.
- I wanted to be the one to tell you the grand surprise, and have 'first skim' as we used to say when we squabbled about the cream. Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
Inputed by Laura