disputation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   formal argument or sustained verbal controversy about a question

   Years of disputation failed to produce agreement on the constitutional issue.

2. 2
   noun

   a formal academic exercise in which a thesis is defended through logical argument against objections

   The medieval university required each candidate to complete a public disputation before receiving the degree.

From Middle English disputacioun, through Old French disputation, from Latin disputatio, 'discussion or debate,' based on disputare, 'weigh, examine, discuss.' Medieval schools specialized the word for a formal oral defense of a proposition.

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