bandy words

ブログに取り上げた記録は残っていませんが以前 "bandy around or about" (to spread something, such as someone's good name, around in an unfavorable context; to toss words around in a gossipy fashion. [Bandy means to toss or hit something back and forth.])を覚えたのですが、Momoを読んでいると "bandy words" と言う表現が次のように出て来ました。
'Heavens!' said the voice, with another mirthless laugh. 'You're hardly the person to bandy words with us on the subject of truth and falsehood.
"bandy around" が言い触らすなら "bandy words" には "with us" と相手がいるので、言い争う感じですが、どうでしょう。辞書で確認します。
・Oxford English Dictionary: Argue pointlessly or rudely: Don’t bandy words with me, Sir!
・Cambridge English Dictionary: to argue: I haven't come here to bandy words with you.
当たりですね。