%argumentation%

n. [ L. argumentatio, from argumentari: cf. F. argumentation. ] 1. The act of forming reasons, making inductions, drawing conclusions, and applying them to the case in discussion; the operation of inferring propositions, not known or admitted as true, from facts or principles known, admitted, or proved to be true. [ 1913 Webster ]

Which manner of argumentation, how false and naught it is, . . . every man that hath with perceiveth. Tyndale. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Debate; discussion. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Reasoning; discussion; controversy. See Reasoning. [ 1913 Webster ]