[ verb ] reason with (somebody) for the purpose of dissuasion <verb.communication>
Expostulate \Ex*pos"tu*late\, v. t. To discuss; to examine. [Obs.]
To expostulate What majesty should be, what duty is. --Shak.
Expostulate \Ex*pos"tu*late\ (?; 135), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Expostulated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Expostulating}.] [L. expostulatus, p. p. of expostulare to demand vehemently; ex out + postulare to ask, require. See {Postulate}.] To reason earnestly with a person on some impropriety of his conduct, representing the wrong he has done or intends, and urging him to make redress or to desist; to remonstrate; -- followed by with.
Men expostulate with erring friends; they bring accusations against enemies who have done them a wrong. --Jowett (Thuc. ).