Emily Dickinson Lexicon

debate (-d, -s), v. [OFr debat-re < Rom. batt-ere, fight; see abate, v.] (webplay: parties, thy).

1. Argue; discuss; have a conflict; hesitate in the presence of opposition; [fig.] weigh the consequences.
2. Hesitate; waver; pause; fluctuate; vacillate; move up and down; go back and forth between two points; [fig.] sink; drop; descend; back away; [word play on “beat”] stir; flutter; move the wings in flight.
3. Deliberate; consider; determine; [fig.] weigh; mete; measure.