Treat , n.
1. A parley; a conference. [Obs.]
Bid him battle without further treat.
Spenser.
2. An entertainment given as an expression of regard.
3. That which affords entertainment; a gratification; a satisfaction; as, the concert was a rich treat.
Treat (?), v. i. 1. To
discourse; to handle a subject in writing or speaking; to make discussion; -- usually
with of; as, Cicero treats of old age and of duties.
And, shortly
of this story for to
treat.
Chaucer.
Now of love they treat.
Milton.
2. To negotiate; to come to terms of
accommodation; -- often followed by with; as, envoys were appointed to treat with France.
Inform us, will the emperor treat!
Swift. 3. To give a gratuitous entertainment, esp. of food or drink, as a compliment.
Treat (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Treated;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Treating.]
[OE. treten, OF.
traitier, F. traiter, from L. tractare to draw violently, to handle, manage, treat, v. intens. from trahere, tractum, to draw. See
Trace, v. t., and cf. Entreat, Retreat,
Trait.] 1. To handle; to
manage; to use; to bear one's self toward; as, to
treat prisoners cruelly; to treat children kindly.
2. To discourse on; to handle
in a particular manner, in writing or
speaking; as, to treat a subject diffusely.
3. To entertain with food or
drink, especially the latter, as a compliment, or as an expression of friendship or regard; as, to
treat the whole company.
4. To negotiate; to settle; to make terms for. [Obs.]
To treat
the peace, a
hundred senators
Shall
be commissioned.
Dryden.
5. (Med.) To care for medicinally or surgically; to manage in the
use of remedies or appliances; as, to treat a disease, a wound, or a patient.
6. To subject to
some action; to apply something to; as, to treat a substance with sulphuric acid. Ure.
7. To entreat; to beseech. [Obs.] Ld.
Berners.
Hear it pronounced