[treat] vb [ME treten, fr. OF traitier, fr. L tractare to drag about, handle, deal with, freq. of trahere to drag, pull] vi (14c) 1: to discuss terms of accommodation or settlement: negotiate
2: to deal with a matter esp. in writing: discourse--usu. used with of "a book ~ing of conservation"
3: to pay another's expenses (as for a meal or drink) esp. as a compliment or as an expression of regard or friendship ~ vt 1 a: to deal with in speech or writing: expound b: to present or represent artistically c: to deal with: handle "food is plentiful and ~ed with imagination --Cecil Beaton"
2. a: to bear oneself toward: use "~ a horse cruelly" b: to regard and deal with in a specified manner--usu. used with as 3 a: to provide with free food, drink, or entertainment b: to provide with enjoyment or gratification
4: to care for or deal with medically or surgically "~ a disease"
5: to act upon with some agent esp. to improve or alter "~ a metal with acid" -- treat.er n
[2]treat n (1651) 1: an entertainment given without expense to those invited
2: an esp. unexpected source of joy, delight, or amusement