ETYM Old Eng. chalenge claim, accusation, challenge, Old Fren. chalenge, chalonge, claim, accusation, contest, from Latin calumnia false accusation, chicanery. Related to Calumny.
1. A call to engage in a contest or fight.
2. A demand by a sentry for a password or identification.
3. A demanding or stimulating situation.
4. A formal objection to the selection of a particular person as a juror.
5. Questioning a statement and demanding an explanation.

1. To ask for identification.
2. To issue a challenge to.
3. To raise a formal objection in a court of law; SYN. take exception.
4. To take exception to; SYN. dispute, gainsay.