DEBATE
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.
DEBATE
De*bate", n. Etym: [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.
DEBATEFUL
De*bate"ful, a.
Defn: Full of contention; contentious; quarrelsome. [Obs.] Spenser.
DEBATEFULLY
De*bate"ful*ly, adv.