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.
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.
2. To contend for in words or arguments; to strive to
maintain by reasoning; to dispute; to contest; to discuss;
to argue for and against.
A wise council . . . that did debate this business.
--Shak.
Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself. --Prov.
xxv. 9.
Syn: To argue; discuss; dispute; controvert. See {Argue}, and
{Discuss}.
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.