De‐bate″, v. i. 1. To engage in strife or combat; to fight. Chaucer.
Well could he tourney and in lists debate. Spenser.
2. To contend in words; to dispute; hence, to deliberate; to consider; to discuss or examine different arguments in the mind; — often followed by on or upon.
He presents that great soul debating upon the subject of life and death with his intimate friends. Tatler.