Debate | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

De-bāte', n.

noun

n. [Fr. débat, Pr. débat, Sp. & Pg. debate, It. dibatto. See infra.]

Sense 1. A fight, contention, or strife. [Rare.]

In the day of Trinity next ensuing was a great debate, . . . and in that murder there were slain . . . fourscore. R. of Gl.

But question fierce and proud reply Gave signal soon of dire debate. W. Scott.

Sense 2. Contention in words or arguments; discussion for the purpose of elucidating truth; strife in argument between persons of different opinions; dispute; controversy; as, the debates in Parliament or in Congress.

Sense 3. Subject of discussion. [Rare.] “Statutes and edicts concerning this debate.” Milton.

De-bāte', v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. DEBATED; p. pr. & vb. n. DEBATING.] [Fr. débattre, Pr. debatre, desbatre, Pg. debater, Sp. debatir, It. dibattere, L. Lat. debatare. See BEAT and ABATE.]

Sense 1. To engage in combat for; to fight 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.

Sense 2. To contend for in words or arguments; to strive to maintain by reasoning; to dispute; to discuss; to argue; to contest, as opposing parties; as, the question was debated till a late hour.

Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself. Prov. xxv. 9.

Synonyms—To argue; discuss; dispute. See ARGUE and DISCUSS.

De-bāte', v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. To engage in strife or combat; to contend; to struggle; to dispute; to deliberate; to discuss or examine different arguments in the mind; — often followed by upon.