a. [f. CONTRADICTION: see -TIOUS.]
† 1. Characterized by contradiction, contradictory.
1604. T. Wright, Passions, IV. i. 116. This contradictious speech lieth rooted in vaine-glory.
1641. W. Twisse, Pref. Mede’s Apost. Later Times, 3. This opinion … seemed very contradictious to diverse plaine passages of holy Scripture.
1697. Collier, Ess. Mor. Subj., II. (1709), 132. The Expectation [is] immoral, or contradictious to the Attributes of God.
† b. Contrary, adverse. Obs.
1766. Mrs. Griffith, Lett. Henry & Frances, IV. 215. The Town [is] full, and Wind contradictious still.
2. Self-contradictory; involving a contradiction in terms. arch.
1638. Chillingw., Relig. Prot., I. iii. § 18. 136. It being impossible and contradictious, that a man should know one thing to be true, and believe the contrary.
1698. [R. Fergusson], View Eccles., 48. Things … perfectly contradictious and subversive of one another.
a. 1716. South, Serm. (1717), V. 424. For a Man to be envious and innocent too, is contradictious and impossible.
1848–9. Calhoun, Const. U.S., Wks. 1874, I. 152. What can be more contradictious?
3. Of persons or their dispositions: Inclined or addicted to contradict; given to cavil; disputatious.
a. 1677. Barrow, Serm. (1810), I. 95. Men perversely contradictious.
1709. J. Johnson, Clergym. Vade M., II. P. xxxvi. An instance of a contradictious spirit.
1829. Southey, Sir T. More (1831), II. 102. The contradictious principle in human nature.
1859. R. F. Burton, Centr. Afr., in Jrnl. Geog. Soc., XXIX. 413. In every caravan there is some lazy, loud-lunged, and contradictious fellow.
