society > society and the community > dissent > contention or strife > contend [verb (intransitive)] > engage on behalf of or against something (3)
intransitive. With for: to strive or contend for (a desired object, an issue, principle, etc.). Also with up and with (cf. sense 2d). Now somewhat…
Phrases (sense 1): to play at bucklers, at sword and buckler: to fence; see also sword, n. to take up the bucklers: to enter the lists, present…
figurative, esp. in to take up the cudgels: to engage in a vigorous contest or debate (for, in defence of, on behalf of). So †to give upor cross t…