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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.