De*bate" , n. [F. débat, fr. débattre.
See Debate, v. t.]
1.
A fight or fighting; contest; strife. [Archaic]
On the day of the Trinity next ensuing was a great debate . . . and in that murder there were slain . . . fourscore.
R. of Gloucester. But question fierce and proud reply
Gave signal soon of dire
debate.
Sir W. Scott.
2. Contention in words or arguments; discussion for the purpose of elucidating truth or influencing action; strife in argument; controversy;
as, the debates in Parliament or in Congress.
Heard, noted, answer'd, as in full debate.
Pope. 3. Subject of discussion. [R.]
Statutes and edicts concerning this debate.
Milton.
De*bate" , v. i. 1. To
engage in strife or combat; to fight. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
Well could he tourney and in lists debate.
Spenser.
2. To contend in words; to dispute; hence, to deliberate; to consider; to discuss or examine different
arguments in the mind; -- often followed by on or
upon.
He presents that great soul debating upon the subject of life and death with his intimate
friends.
Tatler.
De*bate" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Debated;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Debating.]
[OF.
debatre, F. débattre; L. de + batuere to beat. See Batter, v. t., and cf. Abate.] 1. To engage in
combat for; to strive for.
Volunteers . . . thronged
to serve under his banner, and the cause of
religion was debated
with the same ardor in
Spain as on the plains of Palestine.
Prescott. 2. To contend for in words or arguments; to strive to
maintain by reasoning; to dispute; to contest; to discuss; to argue for and
against.
A wise council . . . that did debate this business.
Shak. Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself.
Prov. xxv. 9.
Syn. -- To argue; discuss; dispute; controvert. See Argue, and Discuss.
Hear it pronounced