Wordnet 3.0
VERB (1)
1.
reason with (somebody) for the purpose of dissuasion;
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Expostulate \Ex*pos"tu*late\ (?; 135), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
Expostulated; p. pr. & vb. n. Expostulating.] [L.
expostulatus, p. p. of expostulare to demand vehemently; ex
out + postulare to ask, require. See Postulate.]
To reason earnestly with a person on some impropriety of his
conduct, representing the wrong he has done or intends, and
urging him to make redress or to desist; to remonstrate; --
followed by with.
[1913 Webster]
Men expostulate with erring friends; they bring
accusations against enemies who have done them a wrong.
--Jowett
(Thuc. ).
Syn: To remonstrate; reason. See Remonstrate.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Expostulate \Ex*pos"tu*late\, v. t.
To discuss; to examine. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
To expostulate
What majesty should be, what duty is. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
expostulate
v 1: reason with (somebody) for the purpose of dissuasion