discuss

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Discussed p. pr. & vb. n. Discussing. ] [ L. discussus, p. p. of discutere to strike asunder (hence came the sense to separate mentally, distinguish); dis- + quatere to shake, strike. See Quash. ] 1. To break to pieces; to shatter. [ Obs. ] Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To break up; to disperse; to scatter; to dissipate; to drive away; -- said especially of tumors. [ archaic ] This usage is preserved only in the word discussive. [ 1913 Webster ]

Many arts were used to discuss the beginnings of new affection. Sir H. Wotton. [ 1913 Webster ]

A pomade . . . of virtue to discuss pimples. Rambler. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To shake; to put away; to finish. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

All regard of shame she had discussed. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To examine in detail or by disputation; to reason upon by presenting favorable and adverse considerations; to debate; to sift; to investigate; to ventilate. “We sat and . . . discussed the farm . . . and the price of grain.” Tennyson. “To discuss questions of taste.” Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To deal with, in eating or drinking. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

We sat quietly down and discussed a cold fowl that we had brought with us. Sir S. Baker. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Law) To examine or search thoroughly; to exhaust a remedy against, as against a principal debtor before proceeding against the surety. Burrill.

Syn. -- To Discuss, Examine, Debate. We speak of examining a subject when we ponder it with care, in order to discover its real state, or the truth respecting it. We speak of discussing a topic when we examine it thoroughly in its distinct parts. The word is very commonly applied to matters of opinion. We may discuss a subject without giving in an adhesion to any conclusion. We speak of debating a point when we examine it in mutual argumentation between opposing parties. In debate we contend for or against some conclusion or view. [ 1913 Webster ]