Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DE-LIB'ER-ATE, v.i. [L. delibero; de and libro, to weigh; It. librare. See Librate.]

To weigh in the mind; to consider and examine the reasons for and against a measure; to estimate the weight or force of arguments, or the probable consequences of a measure, in order to a choice or decision; to pause and consider. A wise prince will deliberate before he wages war. The woman that deliberates is lost. – Addison.