late 14c., "to quarrel, dispute," also "discuss, deliberate upon the pros and cons of," from Old French debatre (13c., Modern French débattre), originally "to fight," from de- "down, completely" (see de-) + batre "to beat" (see battery). Related: Debated; debating.

early 14c., "a quarrel, dispute, disagreement," from Old French debat; see debate, v.. Sense of "a formal dispute, a debating contest" is perhaps from early 15c.