Trea"ty (?), n.; pl. Treaties (#). [OE. tretee, F. trait'e, LL. tractatus; cf. L. tractatus a handling, treatment, consultation, tractate. See Treat, and cf. Tractate.]

1.

The act of treating for the adjustment of differences, as for forming an agreement; negotiation.

"By sly and wise treaty."

Chaucer.

He cast by treaty and by trains Her to persuade. Spenser.

2.

An agreement so made; specifically, an agreement, league, or contract between two or more nations or sovereigns, formally signed by commissioners properly authorized, and solemnly ratified by the several sovereigns, or the supreme power of each state; an agreement between two or more independent states; as, a treaty of peace; a treaty of alliance.

3.

A proposal tending to an agreement.

[Obs.]

Shak.

4.

A treatise; a tract.

[Obs.]

Sir T. Browne.

 

© Webster 1913.

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