De*lib"er*ate (?), a. [L.
deliberatus, p. p. of deliberare to deliberate; de-
+ librare to weigh. See Librate.]
1. Weighing facts and arguments with a view to a
choice or decision; carefully considering the probable consequences
of a step; circumspect; slow in determining; -- applied to persons;
as, a deliberate judge or counselor. "These
deliberate fools." Shak.
2. Formed with deliberation; well-advised;
carefully considered; not sudden or rash; as, a deliberate
opinion; a deliberate measure or result.
Settled visage and deliberate
word.
Shak.
3. Not hasty or sudden; slow.
Hooker.
His enunciation was so deliberate.
W. Wirt.
De*lib"er*ate (?), v. t. [imp.
& p. p. Deliberated; p. pr. & vb.
n. Deliberating.] To weigh in the mind; to
consider the reasons for and against; to consider maturely; to
reflect upon; to ponder; as, to deliberate a
question.
De*lib"er*ate, v. i. To take
counsel with one's self; to weigh the arguments for and against a
proposed course of action; to reflect; to consider; to hesitate in
deciding; -- sometimes with on, upon, about,
concerning.
The woman that deliberates is
lost.
Addison.
