Debate \De*bate"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Debated; p. pr. & vb.
n. Debating.]
[OF. debatre, F. d['e]battre; L. de + batuere
to beat. See Batter, v. t., and cf. Abate.]
1. To engage in combat for; to strive 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.
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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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