In question, in debate; in the course of examination or discussion; as,
the matter or point in question. -- Leading question. See under
Leading. -- Out of question, unquestionably. "Out of question, 't is
Maria's hand." Shak. -- Out of the question. See under Out. -- Past
question, beyond question; certainly; undoubtedly; unquestionably. --
Previous question, a question put to a parliamentary assembly upon the
motion of a member, in order to ascertain whether it is the will of the
body to vote at once, without further debate, on the subject under
consideration. The form of the question is: "Shall the main question be
now put?" If the vote is in the affirmative, the matter before the body
must be voted upon as it then stands, without further general debate or
the submission of new amendments. In the House of Representatives of
the United States, and generally in America, a negative decision
operates to keep the business before the body as if the motion had not
been made; but in the English Parliament, it operates to postpone
consideration for the day, and until the subject may be again
introduced. In American practice, the object of the motion is to hasten
action, and it is made by a friend of the measure. In English practice,
the object is to get rid of the subject for the time being, and the
motion is made with a purpose of voting against it. Cushing. -- To beg
the question. See under Beg. -- To the question, to the point in
dispute; to the real matter under debate.
Syn. -- Point; topic; subject.
Ques"tion, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Questioned (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Questioning.] [Cf. F. questionner. See Question, n.] 1. To ask
questions; to inquire.
He that questioneth much shall learn much.
Bacon.