1. (v. t.) To handle; to manage; to use; to bear one's self toward; as, to treat prisoners cruelly; to treat children kindly.

2. (v. t.) To discourse on; to handle in a particular manner, in writing or speaking; as, to treat a subject diffusely.

3. (v. t.) To entertain with food or drink, especially the latter, as a compliment, or as an expression of friendship or regard; as, to treat the whole company.

4. (v. t.) To negotiate; to settle; to make terms for.

5. (v. t.) To care for medicinally or surgically; to manage in the use of remedies or appliances; as, to treat a disease, a wound, or a patient.

6. (v. t.) To subject to some action; to apply something to; as, to treat a substance with sulfuric acid.

7. (v. t.) To entreat; to beseech.

8. (v. i.) To discourse; to handle a subject in writing or speaking; to make discussion; -- usually with of; as, Cicero treats of old age and of duties.

9. (v. i.) To negotiate; to come to terms of accommodation; -- often followed by with; as, envoys were appointed to treat with France.

10. (v. i.) To give a gratuitous entertainment, esp. of food or drink, as a compliment.

11. (n.) A parley; a conference.

12. (n.) An entertainment given as an expression of regard.

13. (n.) That which affords entertainment; a gratification; a satisfaction; as, the concert was a rich treat.