But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
A summary by appeal to the universal custom of the churches.
If any man seem - `thinks' (fit) х dokei (G1380)] (Matthew 3:9); if any man chooses (still, after all my arguments) to be contentious; if any thinks himself right in being so. A reproof of the Corinthians' self-sufficiency and disputatiousness (1 Corinthians 1:20).
We - apostles; or, we of the Jewish nation. Jewish women veiled themselves in public, according to Tertullian. The former explanation is best, as the Jews are not referred to in the context; but he often refers to himself and his fellow-apostles. "We-us" (1 Corinthians 4:9-10; 1 Corinthians 10:5-6).
No such custom - as that of women praying uncovered. Not 'that of being contentious.' The Greek No such custom - as that of women praying uncovered. Not 'that of being contentious.' The Greek х suneetheian (G4914)] implies a usage rather than a mental habit (John 18:39). The usage of true "churches" (plural: not 'the Church,' as an abstract entity, but "the churches," as many independent witnesses) of God (the churches which God recognizes) is a valid argument as to external rites, especially negatively-e.g., such rites were not received among them, therefore ought not to be admitted among us; but in doctrine or essentials the argument is not valid (1 Corinthians 7:17; 1 Corinthians 14:33).
Neither - nor yet. Catholic usage is not an infallible test of truth, but a general test of decency.