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Discuss

1. To break to pieces; to shatter.

2. To break up; to disperse; to scatter; to dissipate; to drive away; said especially of tumours. Many arts were used to discuss the beginnings of new affection. (Sir H. Wotton) A pomade . . . Of virtue to discuss pimples. (Rambler)

3. To shake; to put away; to finish. All regard of shame she had discussed. (Spenser)

4. To examine in detail or by disputation; to reason upon by presenting favorable and adverse considerations; to debate; to sift; to investigate; to ventilate. We sat and . . . Discussed the farm . . . And the price of grain. . To discuss questions of taste.

5. To deal with, in eating or drinking. We sat quietly down and discussed a cold fowl that we had brought with us. (Sir s. Baker)

6. To examine or search thoroughly; to exhaust a remedy against, as against a principal debtor before proceeding against the surety.

Synonym: to discuss, Examine, Debate.

We speak of examining a subject when we ponder it with care, in order to discover its real state, or the truth respecting it. We speak of discussing a topic when we examine it thoroughly in its distinct parts. The word is very commonly applied to matters of opinion. We may discuss a subject without giving in an adhesion to any conclusion. We speak of debating a point when we examine it in mutual argumentation between opposing parties. In debate we contend for or against some conclusion or view.

Origin: L. Discussus, p. P. Of discutere to strike asunder (hence came the sense to separate mentally, distinguish); dis- _ quater 3aa e to shake, strike. See Quash.