Discept

/dɪsˈsɛpt/ verb

Definition

To dispute, debate, or argue about; to discuss in a contentious way.

Etymology

From Latin 'disceptare' (to dispute, weigh both sides), from 'dis-' (apart) and 'ceptare' (to take, seize). This is a rare learned verb from academic or legal contexts.

Kelly Says

Medieval scholars would 'discept' points of theology for hours—the word suggests intellectual combat, as if ideas were being seized from both sides in debate, which is exactly what 'disceptare' meant.

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