n. [ OE. tretis, OF. treitis, traitis, well made. See Treat. ] 1. A written composition on a particular subject, in which its principles are discussed or explained; a tract. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ] He published a treatise in which he maintained that a marriage between a member of the Church of England and a dissenter was a nullity. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ A treatise implies more form and method than an essay, but may fall short of the fullness and completeness of a systematic exposition. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Story; discourse. [ R. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
