The act of seeking, or endeavoring to gain, what
   another is endeavoring to gain at the same time; common strife for the
   same objects; strife for superiority; emulous contest; rivalry, as for
   approbation, for a prize, or as where two or more persons are engaged
   in the same business and each seeking patronage; -- followed by for
   before the object sought, and with before the person or thing competed
   with.