debate

n. [ F. débat, fr. débattre. See Debate, v. t. ] 1. A fight or fighting; contest; strife. [ Archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]

On the day of the Trinity next ensuing was a great debate . . . and in that murder there were slain . . . fourscore. R. of Gloucester. [ 1913 Webster ]

But question fierce and proud reply
Gave signal soon of dire debate. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Heard, noted, answer'd, as in full debate. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Subject of discussion. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Statutes and edicts concerning this debate. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To engage in strife or combat; to fight. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

Well could he tourney and in lists debate. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

He presents that great soul debating upon the subject of life and death with his intimate friends. Tatler. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Full of contention; contentious; quarrelsome. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. With contention. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. OF. debatement a beating. ] Controversy; deliberation; debate. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

A serious question and debatement with myself. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]