Quarrelling

/ˈkwɒrəlɪŋ/ verb

Definition

The act of engaging in angry arguments or disputes with someone. Present participle of quarrel, indicating ongoing disagreement or conflict.

Etymology

From Old French 'querele' meaning complaint or accusation, derived from Latin 'querella' (complaint), from 'queri' (to complain). The word evolved from formal legal complaints to general arguments by the 14th century.

Kelly Says

The spelling with double 'l' follows British English conventions, while American English typically uses 'quarreling' with one 'l' - a distinction that itself might cause quarrelling between editors! Interestingly, medieval quarrels were often formal legal procedures rather than heated arguments.

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