See Also: debate(1)(dictionary)
debate(2)(dictionary)
debate 1, noun(dictionary)
debate 2, verb(dictionary)

debate(1) (iou)



debate noun. ME.
[Old French debat (mod. debat), formed as DEBATE verb.]
Strife, dissension, quarrelling, (formerly) fighting; a quarrel. Long arch. ME.
Contention in argument, (a) discussion; esp. (a) formal discussion of a matter in a legislature or public assembly. LME.
full-dress debate: see FULL adjective.
J. Colville Big debate on Finland this evening, during which the P.M. won great personal success. J. Herriot It was a matter of debate whether she was a widow or separated.
b. = DeBAT. M19.