Dis*cuss" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Discussed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Discussing.] [L. discussus, p. p. of discutere to strike asunder (hence came the sense to separate mentally, distinguish); dis- + quatere to shake, strike. See Quash.]
1. To break to pieces; to shatter. [Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.
2. To break up; to disperse; to scatter; to dissipate; to drive away; -- said especially of tumors.
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. [Obs.]
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." Tennyson. "To discuss questions of taste."
Macaulay.
5. To deal with, in eating or drinking. [Colloq.]
We sat quietly down and discussed a cold fowl that we had brought with us.
Sir S. Baker.
6. Law To examine or search thoroughly; to exhaust a remedy against, as against a principal debtor before proceeding against the surety.
Burrill.
Syn. -- 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.
© Webster 1913. | 
