The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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            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.
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   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.
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            A wise council . . . that did debate this business.
                                                  --Shak.
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            Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself. --Prov.
                                                  xxv. 9.

   Syn: To argue; discuss; dispute; controvert. See Argue, and
        Discuss.
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