treatv. t.[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.()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.(Ld. Berners.)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.()n.1. A parley; a conference.()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.()