treat

Definition

To negotiate, discuss terms, bargain (for or with).

Etymology

From Middle English treten, from Anglo-Norman treter, Old French tretier, traiter, from Latin tractāre (“to pull", "to manage”), from the past participle stem of trahere (“to draw", "to pull”).

Example Sentences

• "Now halting a few paces before the Captains of the West he looked them up and down and laughed. 'Is there any in this rout with authority to treat with me?' he asked."
• "After all, in this hideous war we have just passed through never forget that Halifax would have treated with Hitler: it took Churchill to refuse."
• "I wouldn't promote businesses I considered immoral – ambulance-chasing lawyers or online roulette for example – but I've got nothing against computer or software manufacture: they're important and any reputable company in that industry is welcome to treat for my services."

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