v. & n.
v. 1 tr. act or behave towards or deal with (a person or thing) in a certain way (treated me kindly; treat it as a joke). 2 tr. deal with or apply a process to; act upon to obtain a particular result (treat it with acid). 3 tr. apply medical care or attention to. 4 tr. present or deal with (a subject) in literature or art. 5 tr. (often foll. by to) provide with food or drink or entertainment at one's own expense (treated us to dinner). 6 intr. (often foll. by with) negotiate terms (with a person). 7 intr. (often foll. by of) give a spoken or written exposition.
n. 1 an event or circumstance (esp. when unexpected or unusual) that gives great pleasure. 2 a meal, entertainment, etc., provided by one person for the enjoyment of another or others. 3 (prec. by a) extremely good or well (they looked a treat; has come on a treat). treatable adj. treater n. treating n.
[ ME f. AF treter, OF traitier f. L tractare handle, frequent. of trahere tract- draw, pull ]