DEBATE (3)

De‐bate″, n. [[F. débat, fr. débattre. See Debate, v. t.]] 1. 1. A fight or fighting; contest; strife.
On the day of the Trinity next ensuing was a great debate . . . and in that murder there were slain . . . fourscore. R. of Gloucester. But question fierce and proud reply Gave signal soon of dire debate. Sir W. Scott. 2. 2. Contention in words or arguments; discussion for the purpose of elucidating truth or influencing action; strife in argument; controversy; as, the debates in Parliament or in Congress.
Heard, noted, answer'd, as in full debate. Pope. 3. 3. Subject of discussion.
Statutes and edicts concerning this debate. Milton.