GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Debate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Debated; p. pr. & vb. n. Debating.] [OF. debatre, F. débattre; L. de + batuere to beat. See Batter, v. t., and cf. Abate.]
   1. To engage in combat for; to strive for.
   
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   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.
   
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   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.
   
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   A wise council . . . that did debate this business. Shak.
   
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   Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself. Prov. xxv. 9.
   
   Syn. -- To argue; discuss; dispute; controvert. See Argue, and Discuss.
   
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2.       
   Debate, v. i.
   1. To engage in strife or combat; to fight. [Obs.]  Chaucer.
   
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   Well could he tourney and in lists debate. Spenser.
   
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   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.
   
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   He presents that great soul debating upon the subject of life and death with his intimate friends. Tatler.
   
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3.       
   Debate, n. [F. débat, fr. débattre. See Debate, v. t.]
   1. A fight or fighting; contest; strife. [Archaic]
   
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   On the day of the Trinity next ensuing was a great debate . . . and in that murder there were slain . . . fourscore. R. of Gloucester.
   
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   But question fierce and proud reply
   
   Gave signal soon of dire debate. Sir W. Scott.
   
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   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”.
   
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   Heard, noted, answer'd, as in full debate. Pope.
   
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   3. Subject of discussion. [R.]
   
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   Statutes and edicts concerning this debate. Milton.
   
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