Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DE-BATE', v.t. [Fr. debattre; Sp. debatir; Port. debater. See Beat and Abate.]

To contend for in words or arguments; to strive to maintain a cause by reasoning; to dispute; to discuss; to argue; to contest, as opposing parties; as, the question was debated till a late hour. Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself. Prov. xxv.