Treat \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Treat \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)