The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Deliberation \De*lib`er*a"tion\, n. [L. deliberatio: cf. F.
   d['e]lib['e]ration.]
   1. The act of deliberating, or of weighing and examining the
      reasons for and against a choice or measure; careful
      consideration; mature reflection.
      [1913 Webster]

            Choosing the fairest way with a calm deliberation.
                                                  --W. Montagu.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Careful discussion and examination of the reasons for and
      against a measure; as, the deliberations of a legislative
      body or council.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

deliberation
    n 1: (usually plural) discussion of all sides of a question;
         "the deliberations of the jury"
    2: careful consideration; "a little deliberation would have
       deterred them" [syn: deliberation, weighing,
       advisement]
    3: planning something carefully and intentionally; "it was the
       deliberation of his act that was insulting" [syn:
       calculation, deliberation]
    4: a rate demonstrating an absence of haste or hurry [syn:
       slowness, deliberation, deliberateness,
       unhurriedness]
    5: the trait of thoughtfulness in action or decision; "he was a
       man of judicial deliberation" [syn: deliberation,
       deliberateness]

The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):

DELIBERATION, n.  The act of examining one's bread to determine which
side it is buttered on.