v. & n.
v. 1 tr. (also absol.) discuss or dispute about (an issue, proposal, etc.) esp. formally in a legislative assembly, public meeting, etc. 2 a tr. consider, ponder (a matter). b intr. consider different sides of a question.
n. 1 a formal discussion on a particular matter, esp. in a legislative assembly etc. 2 debating, discussion (open to debate). debating point an inessential matter used to gain advantage in a debate. debater n.
[ ME f. OF debatre, debat f. Rmc (as DE-, BATTLE) ]