ˈpakt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin pactum, from neuter of pactus, past participle of pacisci to agree, contract; akin to Old English fōn to take, seize, Old High German & Gothic fāhan, Old Norse fā to take, seize, Latin pangere to fasten, Greek pēgnynai to fix, fasten together, Sanskrit pāśa bond
1. : compact V
an unvoiced pact between us to read him with … skepticism — H.V.Gregory
the pact also grants the broadcasting company exclusive rights — Wall Street Journal
specifically : an international treaty
pacts made by mutual consent between states are the foundation of the law of nations — J.H.Hallowell
2. : pactum