\Trea"ty\, n.; pl. {Treaties}. [OE. tretee, F. trait['e],
LL. tractatus; cf. L. tractatus a handling, treatment,
consultation, tractate. See {Treat}, and cf. {Tractate}.]
1. The act of treating for the adjustment of differences, as
   for forming an agreement; negotiation. ``By sly and wise
   treaty.'' --Chaucer.
         He cast by treaty and by trains Her to persuade.
                                               --Spenser.
2. An agreement so made; specifically, an agreement, league,
   or contract between two or more nations or sovereigns,
   formally signed by commissioners properly authorized, and
   solemnly ratified by the several sovereigns, or the
   supreme power of each state; an agreement between two or
   more independent states; as, a treaty of peace; a treaty
   of alliance.
3. A proposal tending to an agreement. [Obs.] --Shak.
4. A treatise; a tract. [Obs.] --Sir T. Browne.