Definition of "dissension"

The natural scenery of America has often been contrasted, in its general features as well as in detail, with the landscape of the Old World—more especially of Europe—and not deeper has been the enthusiasm, than wide the dissension, of the supporters of each region.

1843, E. A. Poe, Morning on the Wissahiccon

In Biblical times the resort to chance was an agreed-upon way of making many decisions because it ended dissension among opposing, often powerful, parties.

1998, Deborah J. Bennett, Randomness, Harvard University Press, page 34f