I. ˈtrakt noun
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: Middle English tracte, from Medieval Latin tractus, from Latin, action of drawing, extension; perhaps from its being sung without a break by one voice
Date: 14th century
: verses of Scripture (as from the Psalms) used between the gradual and the Gospel at some masses (as during penitential seasons)
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English tracte, from Latin tractus action of drawing, extension, from trahere to pull, draw
Date: 15th century
1. : extent or lapse of time
2. : an area either large or small: as
a. : an indefinite stretch of land
b. : a defined area of land
3.
a. : a system of body parts or organs that act together to perform some function
the digestive tract
b. : a bundle of nerve fibers having a common origin, termination, and function
III. noun
Etymology: Middle English, treatise, from Medieval Latin tractus, perhaps alteration of Latin tractatus tractate
Date: 1760
: a pamphlet or leaflet of political or religious propaganda ; also : a piece of writing that is suggestive of such a tract