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.
