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Webster 1913 Edition

Discuss

Dis-cuss′

,
Verb.
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.
[archaic]
This usage is preserved only in the word
discussive
.
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.
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 1828 Edition

Discuss

DISCUSS

,
Verb.
T.
[L.] Literally, to drive; to beat or to shake in pieces; to separate by beating or shaking.
1.
To disperse; to scatter; to dissolve; to repel; as, to discuss a tumor; a medical use of the word.
2.
To debate; to agitate by argument; to clear of objections and difficulties, with a view to find or illustrate truth; to sift; to examine by disputation; to ventilate; to reason on, for the purpose of separating truth from falsehood. We discuss a subject, a point, a problem, a question, the propriety, expedience or justice of a measure, &c.
3.
To break in pieces. [The primary sense, but not used.]
4.
To shake off. [Not in use.]

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