Main Entry: trea·ty

Pronunciation: \ˈtrē-tē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural treaties

Etymology: Middle English trete, from Anglo-French treté, from past participle of treter to discuss, treat

Date: 14th century

1 : the action of treating and especially of negotiating
2 a : an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation: (1) : private treaty (2) : a contract in writing between two or more political authorities (as states or sovereigns) formally signed by representatives duly authorized and usually ratified by the lawmaking authority of the state b : a document in which such a contract is set down