Disputed pigeon ran (9)

I believe the answer is:

squabbled

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'disputed' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'pigeon ran' is the wordplay.
'pigeon' becomes 'squab' (squab is a kind of pigeon).
'ran' becomes 'bled' ('bleed' can be a synonym of 'run').
'squab'+'bled'='SQUABBLED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for squabbled that I've seen is " fallen out".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.