n.
Pronunciation: ' tr ē -t ə s also -t ə z
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English tretis, from Anglo-French tretiz, alteration of tretez, traitet, from Medieval Latin tractatus, from Latin tractare to treat, handle
Date: 14th century
1 : a systematic exposition or argument in writing including a methodical discussion of the facts and principles involved and conclusions reached <a treatise on higher education>
2 obsolete : ACCOUNT , TALE