Debate — Defs

01 v. t. To engage in combat for; to strive for.

imp. & p. p. Debated; p. pr. & vb. n. Debating

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.

02 v. i. To engage in strife or combat; to fight.

1.
To engage in strife or combat; to fight.[Obs.]
“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.

03 n. A fight or fighting; contest; strife.

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.