Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Debate \De*bate"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Debated}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Debating}.] [OF. debatre, F. d['e]battre; L. de + batuere
   to beat. See {Batter}, v. t., and cf. {Abate}.]
   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}.