Discuss \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.
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   2. To break up; to disperse; to scatter; to dissipate; to
      drive away; -- said especially of tumors. [archaic]

   Note: This usage is preserved only in the word discussive.
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               Many arts were used to discuss the beginnings of
               new affection.                     --Sir H.
                                                  Wotton.
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               A pomade . . . of virtue to discuss pimples.
                                                  --Rambler.
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   3. To shake; to put away; to finish. [Obs.]
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            All regard of shame she had discussed. --Spenser.
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   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.
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   5. To deal with, in eating or drinking. [Colloq.]
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            We sat quietly down and discussed a cold fowl that
            we had brought with us.               --Sir S.
                                                  Baker.
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   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.
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