decertation

contest for mastery; contention; strife

Noun

  1. contest for mastery; contention; strife
    • a decertation between the disease and nature - 1650, Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica: […], 2nd edition, London: […] A[braham] Miller, for Edw[ard] Dod and Nath[aniel] Ekins, […], →OCLC:
    • The nearer we approach an adversary (within just limits) in these rational decertations, the less he can have to say against us - 1691, John Howe, letter to Dr. Wallis:

Origin

From Latin decertatio, from decertare, decertatum, from de- + certare (“to contend”).

Forms

decertations