"disputed, made the object of contention or competition," 1670s, past-participle adjective from contest (v.). Specifically of elections from 1771, American English.
"beloved or dear person or object," 1706, from precious (adj.). Since the "Lord of the Rings" movies, often with deliberate echoes of Tolkien.
"object used in a play," 1898, from props (1841), shortened form of properties (which was in theatrical use from early 15c.); see property.
"to dispute, to make (something) the object of controversy," c. 1600, from French controversé, from Latin controversus "turned against" (see controversy).
"small cup-shaped depression or object," 1830, from Modern Latin cupula, diminutive of Latin cupa "cask, barrel" (see cup (n.)).
"a decorative form representing a living object," 1895 (A.C. Haddon), from bio- "life" + -morph "form," a word of uncertain etymology. Related: Biomorphic.
