TREATY

noun (plural treaties) Etymology: Middle English trete, from Anglo-French treté, from past participle of treter to discuss, treat Date: 14th century the action of treating and especially of negotiating, 2. an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation:, private ~ , a contract in writing between two or more political authorities (as states or sovereigns) formally signed by representatives duly authorized and usually ratified by the lawmaking authority of the state, a document in which such a contract is set down