[a. F. contestant, pr. pple. of contester to CONTEST, used as adj. and sb.: cf. combatant, assailant. Not in Bailey, Johnson, Webster 1828, Worcester 1846; common during Civil War in U.S., and since.] One who contests; one who takes part in a contest.
1665. Manley, Grotius’ Low C. Warres, 329. The Indian Company … being freed both from their Enemie’s Arms and all other contestants.
1861. Times, 8 Nov. (Defeat of Federal Army). A little after six o’clock the remaining contestants withdrew down the precipitous river bank.
1870. Public Opin., 6 Aug., 162. The present war … will materially change the position of the contestants.
1887. Standard, 7 Nov., 3/7. A butter-making competition…. There were twenty-two contestants, several of whom were farmers’ wives.
