An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1a) A race, conflict, or other competition between rivals, as for a prize.

1b) Struggle for victory or superiority.

1c) Strife in argument; dispute; controversy.

2a) To struggle or fight for, as in battle.

2b) To argue against; dispute (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): From Fr. contester “to dispute, oppose,” from M.Fr., from L. contestari “to call to witness, bring action,” from → com- “together” + testari “to bear witness,” from testis “a witness.”

Etymology (PE): Hâbard, from hâ-, variant ham- “together,” → com-, + bard “to fight, to struggle,” cf. nabard, nibard “fight, struggle, war,” variants nâvard, âvard, ultimately from Proto-Ir. *part- “to fight, to struggle.”