tractn.1
/trakt/, U.S. /træk(t)/ I. Senses relating to books or pamphlets in which a topic is discussed.† 1. Literary treatment or discussion. Obsolete. rare.In some instances difficult to separate from sense 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > non-fiction > treatise or dissertation > [noun] > the writing of
treaty1382
tract1432
entreating1526
entreatya1538
tractation1570
tractate1586
treatising1605
1432-50 [see sense 2a].
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Socrates Scholasticus i. xx, in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. 247 It was our part, to comprise in few words, such things as required a seuerall tract.
1659 B. Walton Considerator Considered 14 They do assert and prove the plain contrary, and that not obiter, or by the by, but ex professo, in full tracts.
2.
a. A book or written work treating of some particular topic; a treatise; a written or printed discourse or dissertation: = tractate n. 1. Now rare in general sense.Formerly often applied to what would now be called ‘books’.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > non-fiction > treatise or dissertation > [noun]
drawth1340
treatisea1375
commentc1400
treatc1400
treatyc1400
tract1432
tractate1474
disputationa1533
commentary1547
tractive1558
tractation1563
diatribe1581
examen1606
dispute1608
ergasy1637
hippiatrics1646
disquisition1647
dissertation1651
tractic1651
supernaturals1676
adenography1689
1432–50 tr. Higden (Rolls) III. 219 The philosophres that were diuines..laborede and made tractes of God [L. de Deo tractaverunt; Trevisa, þei treted of God].
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1869) II. 257 For cause that a generalle tracte [L. tractatus generalis; Trevisa, tretysis ful and general] of the iiij. principalle realmes afore seide.., dothe require a large processe.
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. v. x. 85 This present tracte [printed taicte] of mine is not made for any ostentation.
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. ii. i. §2. 403 Palastina it selfe is but a Prouince, as I haue noted in the beginning of this Tract.
a1676 M. Hale Primitive Originat. Mankind (1677) i. ii. 69 The scope and end of my business in this Tract.
1825 J. R. McCulloch Princ. Polit. Econ. i. 38 In the course of the seventeenth century, a more than usual number of tracts were published on commercial and economical subjects.
1845 J. R. McCulloch Treat. Taxation ii. iv. 180 Mr. Howlett.. has made some statements in his valuable tract on tithe.
b. Applied to a division of a book or literary work, treating of a separate subject or branch. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > book > matter of book > [noun] > chapter or section
capitleeOE
chapter?c1225
pacea1325
chapitle1340
passa1400
capitalc1460
titlec1460
spacea1500
section1576
head1610
tract1662
passus1765
screed1829
subtitle1891
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ i. iii. §3 Three books they tell us of, which Zertoost received by Revelation, or rather one book, consisting of three severall tracts, whereof the first [etc.].
1891 J. E. H. Thomson Bks. which influenced Our Lord i. x. 177 The Mishna is divided into six sections, each of these into ten tracts on an average, or sixty-one in all.
3.
a. In later use: a short pamphlet on some religious, political, or other topic, suitable for distribution or for purposes of propaganda.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > book > kind of book > pamphlet > [noun] > small
quire?c1225
tract1806
pamphletette1882
tractlet1889
1762 Gentleman's Mag. Nov. 545/2 This little tract affords prescriptions for the soul.]
1806 [see sense 3c]. 1816 [see sense 3c]. 1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) ix. 75 Whose sister, Lady Emily, wrote those sweet tracts, ‘The Sailor's True Binnacle’, and ‘The Applewoman of Finchley Common’.
1851 C. Kingsley Let. in Life (1879) I. ix. 237 The barbarians..got into their addle pates that we were emissaries of Mazzini and Co. distributing political tracts.
1866 G. MacDonald Ann. Quiet Neighbourhood xxx Whether he only distributes tracts with condescending words.
1885 G. Meredith Diana of Crossways II. iii. 74 Am I really as dull as a tract, my dear?
1911 A. R. Buckland in Encycl. Brit. XXVII. 177/2 A tract is understood to be brief and rather argumentative than educational.
1913 N.E.D. at Tract Mod. The British Museum library contains an immense collection of Civil War tracts.
b. Tracts for the Times: the title of a series of pamphlets on theological and ecclesiastical topics (known also as the Oxford Tracts, or simply the Tracts) started by J. H. Newman, and published at Oxford 1833–1841, on the doctrines of which the Tractarian movement was based; also used in singular with lower-case initials, of any literary work put out to meet a particular need of the times. The earlier of these were, in accordance with their title, brief pamphlets; but some of the later, e.g. that of Pusey on Baptism, were extended treatises, tracts in sense 2. The aim of the series was ‘to arrest the advance of Liberalism in religious thought, and to revive’ what the writers held to be ‘the true conception of the relation of the Church of England to the Catholic Church at large’ ( Churchman's Guide). The last Tract, No. 90, by J. H. Newman, ‘On Certain Passages in the XXXIX Articles’, ‘called forth a storm of reprobation; at the instance of Four Tutors, the Heads of the Oxford Colleges pronounced censure upon the author’, and at the request of the Bishop of Oxford the publication of the Tracts ceased. In the sequel, many who sympathized with the teaching of the Tracts (including at length Newman himself) seceded to the Church of Rome.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > non-fiction > treatise or dissertation > [noun] > specific treatises
aloedary1753
Tracts for the Times1834
Oxford Tract1836
Little Red Book1966
1834 (title) Tracts for the Times. By Members of the University of Oxford.
1868 J. T. Coleridge Mem. J. Keble (1870) xii. 276 It was Mr. Benson..who gave the authors and favourers of the Tracts the perfectly inoffensive name of Tractarian.
1881 J. A. Froude Short Stud. (1883) 4th Ser. 175 These were the views which we used to hear when the Tracts were first beginning.
1893 H. P. Liddon et al. Life E. B. Pusey I. xii. 277 The first Tracts are dated at the beginning of September (1833). They were generally short, several keeping within the suggested limit of four pages: they were chiefly concerned with the constitution, ordinances, and services of the Church.
1927 A. H. McNeile Introd. N.T. 95 The Tübingen conception of the book [sc. the Acts of the Apostles] as a tract for the times mediating between the Judaic and the Pauline factions.
1979 E. H. Gombrich Sense of Order ii. 41 As a tract for the times the Seven Lamps failed to achieve Ruskin's aim of bringing the conditions of the Middle Ages back to industrialized England.
c. attributive and in other combinations, as (in sense 3) tract-distributing adj., tract distribution, tract-led adj., tract society; (in sense 3b, with capital T) Tract divine, Tract doctrine, Tract man, Tract movement, Tract system, Tract-writer.
ΚΠ
1760 Pratt in J. Adams Wks. (1850) II. 97 I should be very sorry to have the Tract Society dissolved.
1806 W. L. Bowles Banwell Hill ii. 360 The tract-led Miss, Who trots to every Bethel club.
1816 ‘Quiz’ Grand Master viii. Argt. 18 Let them, if they perceive impiety, Transmit it to the Tract Society.
1841 S. Wilberforce Let. 30 Mar. in A. R. Ashwell Life S. Wilberforce (1880) I. vi. 217 You know my dread of the ‘Tract’ doctrine of Reserve.
1843 Christian Lady's Mag. 20 211 The opinions of Oxford-tract men..upon the divine efficacy of Sacraments.
1843 Christian Lady's Mag. 20 271 The pernicious errors broached.., by the Tract-writers of Oxford.
1846 D. Wilson Exp. Lect. Col. ii. 20 (note) The Tract divines add to the three essentials required in the XIXth article a fourth.
1869 W. P. Mackay Grace & Truth (1875) 43 Tract-distributors and pick-pockets.
1882 Ogilvie's Imperial Dict. (new ed.) (at cited word) In this sense the word is frequently adjectivally used; as, tract society,..tract distribution, etc.
1893 H. P. Liddon et al. Life E. B. Pusey I. xii. 414 It was natural for the Tract-writers to honour the Fathers of the Church.
II. Senses relating to negotiation or trade.† 4.
a. Negotiation, treating; a treaty. Cf. tractate n. 2. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > politics > international politics or relations > diplomacy > [noun] > diplomatic negotiation
embassadryc1425
ambassadry?a1439
entreating?a1439
entreaty1447
tract1501
entreatisea1513
entreatment?1520
embassy1549
ambassadya1597
ambassy1625
negotiation1702
dialogue1890
society > authority > rule or government > politics > international politics or relations > international agreements > [noun] > treaty
composition1387
treaty1430
treatisea1464
tract1501
convention1603
1501 in Lett. Rich. III & Hen. VII (Rolls) I. 135 The kinges majestie had sent to him his seal for tract of pais bytwixt his grace and H.
1502 in Lett. Rich. III & Hen. VII (Rolls) I. 147 A tracte of accorde.
b. Trade, traffic [compare Portuguese trato dealing, trade] . Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > [noun]
mongingOE
cheapinga1000
cheapOE
chaffer?c1225
merchandisea1300
market-making1340
merchandyc1350
corseriec1380
chafferinga1382
need-doinga1382
changea1387
chapmanhoodc1386
cossery?a1400
bargaining1401
merchandisinga1425
merchandrya1450
intercourse1473
business1478
chapmanry1483
the feat of merchandisec1503
market1525
trade1549
marting1553
contractation1555
trading1556
merchantryc1560
marketing1561
mart1562
trafficking1570
contraction1582
tract1582
nundination1586
commerce1587
chafferya1599
negotiation1601
intertraffica1603
traffic1603
commercery1604
intertrading1606
correspondence1607
mercature1611
correspondency1613
coss?1635
negotiating1640
dealing1691
chapmanship1727
merchanting1883
intertrade1915
1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. i. 3 They had beene in the Cayro, and understoode there much newes of Ormuse, and of theyr tract had with and into the Indies.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
tractn.2
/trakt/, U.S. /træk(t)/ Roman Catholic Church.
An anthem consisting of verses of Scripture, usually from the Psalms, sung instead of the Alleluia in the mass from Septuagesima till Easter Eve.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > church music > hymn > kinds of hymn > anthem > [noun] > for Septuagesima
tract1387
tractusa1450
society > leisure > the arts > music > type of music > vocal music > religious or devotional > [noun] > anthem > specific anthem
offertorya1387
tract1387
tractusa1450
olerie1892
1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Rolls) VII. 145 When forsoþe it was comen toward þe tracte [L. Cum autem ad versum tractus ventum fuisset] in whiche it is songen, Scitote quoniam Dominus ipse est Deus.
?c1450 in G. J. Aungier Hist. & Antiq. Syon Monastery (1840) 327 From septuagesym in to ester thys tracte Gaude Maria schal be songe at lectren.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 412/1 Gelasyus and Gregory added therto collettis and sange to the lessons and gospellys graylles tracte and alleluya.
1483 Cath. Angl. 391/1 A Tracte (A. A Tratt), sistema, tractus.
1546 T. Langley tr. P. Vergil Abridgem. Notable Worke v. viii. 108 b The Tract Durandus saieth was deuysed by Teleophorus.
1624 A. Darcie tr. Originall of Idolatries xviii. 74 In stead of which Alleluia is sung another song called a tract, with a loud voice, and a protracted note, in a graue kind of Musicke.
1867 C. Walker Ritual Reason Why 155 These were called the Tract, from being drawn out (tractus) to a mournful cadence.
1877 J. D. Chambers Divine Worship Eng. 331 The Tract was usually a mournful Psalm, or part of a Psalm.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
tractn.3
/trakt/, U.S. /træk(t)/ I. Senses relating to duration or extent.† 1. † b. Protraction (of time), deferring, putting off, dilatory proceeding, delay. (Cf. tract v.2 2.)
a. The drawing out, duration, continuance, process, passing, or lapse of time; the course of time. Cf. Latin tractus temporum, French trait de temps.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > duration > [noun]
lengtha1240
date?1316
durationc1384
hautesse1399
quantity?a1425
periodc1475
tracta1513
allowance1526
continuance1530
wideness1535
continue1556
protense1590
countenance1592
stay1595
standing1600
dimension1605
longanimity1607
longinquity1607
insisture1609
existence1615
unprivationa1628
continuity1646
protension1654
measure1658
course1665
contention1666
propagation1741
protensity1886
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. lvi. f. xix This in tracte of tyme made hym welthy.
1575 G. Fenton Golden Epist. f. 4 As tract of time carieth with it a law of forgetfulnes of things past.
1651 N. Bacon Contin. Hist. Disc. Govt. 187 The seasons now in Tract were of short continuance.
1658 J. Rowland tr. T. Moffett Theater of Insects in Topsell's Hist. Four-footed Beasts (rev. ed.) 946 We conclude this art..to be very ancient, and derived to us by long tract of time.
1676 M. Hale Contempl. Moral & Divine i. 294 In the tract of long life a man is sure to meet with more sicknesses.
a1734 R. North Examen (1740) i. ii. §30 45 Which being perpetually inculcated, in the Tract of a few Years, created in the People prodigious Resentments.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > [noun]
longingeOE
bideOE
abodec1225
bodea1300
demura1300
dwella1300
litinga1300
delayc1300
delayingc1300
demurrancec1300
but honec1325
without ensoignec1325
abidec1330
dretchingc1330
dwellingc1330
essoinc1330
tarrying1340
litea1350
delaymenta1393
respitea1393
oversettinga1398
delayancea1400
delitea1400
lingeringa1400
stounding?a1400
sunyiea1400
targea1400
train?a1400
deferring14..
dilation14..
dayc1405
prolongingc1425
spacec1430
adjourningc1436
retardationc1437
prolongation?a1439
training1440
adjournment1445
sleuthingc1450
tarry1451
tarriance1460
prorogation1476
oversetc1485
tarriage1488
debaid1489
supersedement1492
superseding1494
off-putting1496
postponing1496
tract1503
dilating1509
sparinga1513
hafting1519
sufferance1523
tracking1524
sticking1525
stay1530
pause1532
protraction1535
tracting1535
protract of time1536
protracting1540
postposition1546
staying1546
procrastination1548
difference1559
surceasing1560
tardation1568
detract1570
detracting1572
tarryment1575
rejourning1578
detraction1579
longness1579
rejournment1579
holding1581
reprieving1583
cunctation1585
retarding1585
retardance1586
temporizing1587
by and by1591
suspensea1592
procrastinatinga1594
tardance1595
linger1597
forslacking1600
morrowing1602
recess1603
deferment1612
attendance1614
put-off1623
adjournal1627
fristing1637
hanging-up1638
retardment1640
dilatoriness1642
suspension1645
stickagea1647
tardidation1647
transtemporation1651
demurragea1656
prolatation1656
prolation1656
moration1658
perendination1658
offput1730
retardure1751
postponement1757
retard1781
traverse1799
tarrowing1832
mañana1845
temporization1888
procrastinativeness1893
deferral1895
traa dy liooar1897
stalling1927
heel-tapping1949
off-put1970
1503–4 Act 19 Hen. VII c. 28 Preamble By whiche longe tracte of tyme the seid sueters..shulde be disconforted.
1523 T. Wolsey Let. in R. Fiddes Life Wolsey (1724) Collect. 94 That no tract or deley bee used therein.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. xxx. xvi. 751 They sought for nothing else but delaies and tract of time.
c. A space or extent of time, a period. (In later use regarded as transferred from sense 3.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > [noun] > stretch, period, or portion of time
tidea900
while971
fristOE
stemOE
throwOE
timeOE
selea1250
piecec1300
termc1300
stagea1325
whilesc1330
space?a1400
racec1400
spacec1405
termine1420
parodya1425
timea1425
continuancec1440
thrallc1450
espace1483
space of timec1500
tracta1513
stead1596
reach1654
amidst1664
stretch1698
spell1728
track1835
lifetime1875
time slice1938
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. cii. f. xli Theodebertus, the whiche of his..vncles was greuously warred by longe tracte of tyme.
1524 T. Wolsey in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) I. iv. 53 Considering the tract of time that is requisite.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry V f. lxxx This short tyme and smal tract of my mortal life.
1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 143 A tract of three hundred sixty and foure yeares.
1799 J. Robertson Gen. View Agric. Perth 169 Waiting for a long tract of serene weather, which may not come.
1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam xlv. 68 A lifelong tract of time reveal'd. View more context for this quotation
1853 F. D. Maurice Prophets & Kings Old Test. iii. 43 Utterly unlike and separated by tracts of time and space.
1867 F. T. Palgrave Hymns 25 Dim tracts of time divide Those golden days from me.
2. The continuance or continued duration of some action or state; the course or continuity of a narrative, etc.; a continued series. Now rare or Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > duration > [noun] > long duration or lasting through time > of some action or state
tracta1586
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Apol. Poetrie (1595) sig. K2v The whole tract of a Comedy, shoulde be full of delight.
1599 E. Sandys Europæ Speculum (1632) 178 Yet tract of affliction, much misery, often over-reaching by subtilty of adversaryes, doth finally purge out those grosse-witted humours.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. ix. 407 They had wrot the whole tract of his abhominable vices to the Emperour.
1661 O. Felltham Resolves (rev. ed.) 307 I do not remember that we read the name of either Dice or Gaming in the tract of either Scripture.
1679 in O. Airy Lauderdale Papers (1885) III. 261 A long continued tract of violence and oppressione upon ws.
a1767 W. Macfarlane Geneal. Coll. (1900) II. 310 He caused Apprehend and Execute at Crief for a train and Tract of Depredations MacRobertus Strowanus.
1773 J. Erskine Inst. Law Scotl. I. i. i. §47 An uniform tract of decisions of the court of session..is..accounted as part of our customary law.
1858 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia II. ix. i. 393 Perhaps a sudden tract of good fortune..would have made me too proud.
3. figurative.1817 T. Chalmers Series Disc. Christian Revel. (1852) iii. 88 We do think that this lays open a very interesting tract..of most legitimate and sober-minded speculation.1902 F. W. H. Myers Wordsworth viii. 90 Large tracts of it [the Excursion] have little claim to the name of poetry.attributive.1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. VI. 535 The tract fibres of each side must be connected with the anterior cornua on both sides.1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. VII. 79 An instance in which a tract degeneration was established.
a. A stretch or extent of territory, etc.; a space or expanse of land (more rarely, of water, air, etc.); a region, district. Cf. Latin tractus.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > district in relation to human occupation > a land or country > part of country or district > [noun]
endc893
shirec893
estrec1275
sidec1325
bounds1340
provincea1382
partc1400
landmark1550
tract1553
canton1601
neighbourhood1652
district1712
section1785
circumscription1831
location1833
block1840
strip1873
1553 R. Eden in tr. S. Münster Treat. Newe India Pref. sig. aaviijv The narrowe tracte of the Sea by the coastes of Grouelande.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 126 All the Northerne tract of Britaine.
1654 Earl of Monmouth tr. G. Bentivoglio Compl. Hist. Warrs Flanders 73 The Ocean first washing the said two Provinces for a long trackt of ground.
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World ii. 113 This vast Tract of Land.
1776 A. M. Toplady in Gospel Mag. Mar. 132 When I soar through tracts unknown.
1814 T. Chalmers Evid. Christian Revel. x. 278 Those remote tracts beyond the limits of our astronomy.
1845 J. Phillips & C. G. B. Daubeny Geol. in Encycl. Metrop. VI. 564/2 The great central plateau..is chiefly a granitic and porphyritic tract.
1886 R. L. Stevenson Kidnapped xiii. 120 I spied a tract of water..which..boiled white all over.
b. Natural History, etc. A region or area of some natural structure, as a mineral formation, or the body of an animal or plant; most commonly one extending longitudinally (cf. 8).spec. (a) Anatomy. The whole extent of an organ or system of organs, as the alimentary or digestive tract, or a continuous longitudinal structure, such as one strand or division of a nerve-cord; esp. applied to particular regions of the brain or spinal cord, as the olfactory tract, optic tract, pyramidal tract, etc. Cf. fibre tract n. at fibre n. Compounds 2. (b) Ornithology. A feathered area of the skin of a bird (= pteryla n.), as distinguished from a featherless space.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > part of plant > [noun]
tract1681
entrail1760
member1875
the world > life > biology > physical aspects or shapes > specific areas or structures > [noun]
tract1681
zone1811
the world > life > the body > part of body > [noun] > region
steadc1000
regiona1398
zona1706
territory1824
tract1841
1681 S. Pordage tr. T. Willis Anat. Brain in Five Treat. xiii. 101 Out of the same tract of the oblong Marrow, lesser paths are carried outwardly, here and there, by particular Nerves, arising from the same, within the Skull.
1803 C. Bell Anat. Human Body III. i. iii. 115 It [sc. the olfactory nerve] takes its origin by three medullary tracts.
1811 J. Pinkerton Petralogy II. 442 This pumice..commonly lies in long tracts, in the direction of which its vesicles are sometimes lengthened.
1841 T. R. Jones Gen. Outl. Animal Kingdom xvii. 340 The probable existence..of distinct tracts of nervous matter in the composition of the central chain of ganglia.
1867 W. S. Dallas tr. C. L. Nitzsch Pterylography 3 The feathered regions of the bodies of birds, to which I give the name of feather-tracts (pterylæ, Federnfluren [sic]).
1879 St. George's Hosp. Rep. 9 127 General congestion of the alimentary tract.
1894 A. Newton et al. Dict. Birds: Pt. III at Pterylosis The principal pterylæ or feathered tracts are as follows:—(1) Spinal tract... (2) Ventral tract... (3) Neck-tract [etc.].
1959 W. Andrew Textbk. Compar. Histol. xiv. 566 As one ascends the vertebrate scale, the bundles of white matter or ‘tracts’ make their appearance running through the gray.
1974 M. C. Gerald Pharmacol. x. 189 Ascending nerves transmit sensory impulses up the spinal cord, whereas descending tracts send instructions to effector cells via motor fibers.
c. U.S. A plot of land with definite boundaries, esp. one for development; hence, an estate. So tract home, tract house.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > [noun] > site of or for (a) building(s)
toft1001
stead1246
sole1417
sitea1443
plota1450
toftstead1524
ground-plat?a1560
ground-plot1580
seat1615
parterre1671
building-lot1701
emplacement1780
steading1822
building-place1839
block1840
subdivision1857
building-ground1858
building-estate1885
building-land1905
island site1907
island plot1908
tract1912
1912 Morning Oregonian (Portland, Oregon) 20 Oct. iv. 6/2 Trading in farm land last week was devoted chiefly to small tracts. There were, however, several large parcels.
1940 S. L. McMichael Selling Real Estate (rev. ed.) i. 4 An owner who had a tract of land ripe for development would call in a surveyor.
1954 F. L. Wright Natural House i. 108 The plan..was for a housing project on a 100 acre tract near Pittsfield.
1963 D. B. Hughes Expendable Man iii. 72 Raw green tract houses seemed to have taken over the countryside.
1972 J. Gores Dead Skip (1973) xiv. 100 The tract home had been rented from the realty office by phone.
1973 N.Y. Law Jrnl. 31 Aug. 1/7 The defendants..were developing a tract with cooperative apartments to be constructed on one part.
1977 New Yorker 6 June 99/1 Most of his customers live in tract houses that have tiny bedrooms.
1979 Tucson (Arizona) Citizen 20 Sept. 1 b/1 The Lopezes gave up a nice home on the Northwest Side on an acre lot for a nice house on a cramped lot in one of the tracts that have sprung up in south Tempe during the last two years.
1980 Times Lit. Suppl. 19 Sept. 1020/4 An amiable, moderately licentious fellow who readily settles down..in a newly built tract home.
II. Senses relating to drawing or pulling.† 4. The action of drawing or pulling (in quots. figurative); attraction. Obsolete. rare.† 5. Drawing, or tracing (of lines). Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > attraction, allurement, or enticement > [noun]
tightingc1000
tolling?c1225
ticement1303
enticinga1340
ticinga1400
atticement1483
allure1534
luring1547
enticement1549
allurement1561
allurance1574
alluring1579
illurement1582
attraction1591
lurement1592
till1596
invitation1602
tract1620
illecebration1624
prolectation1625
invitement1627
inescation1645
inveiglement1653
allectation1656
tracture1658
solicitation1676
drumming1833
come-hither1835
chemistry1898
come-hitherness1918
1620 J. Pyper tr. H. d'Urfé Hist. Astrea i. vii. 226 She could feele the tracts of Loue.
1631 B. Jonson Divell is Asse ii. ii. 10 in Wks. II Hell ne'r owne mee, But I am taken! the fine tract of it Pulls mee along!
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > representation > a plastic or graphic representation > graphic representation > drawing lines > [noun]
lineationa1398
tract1677
allineation1807
1677 R. Gilpin Dæmonol. Sacra i. iv. 23 Lines and Figures are better known from Mathematical Instruction, than by their bare tract, as written in Dust.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory i. 19/1 The Ordinaries are made, and formed of Lines diversly composed; And according to the divers Tracts and Forms, of those said Lines, they do receive a divers Shape and variation of Names.
III. A material line drawn: = French trait (see trait n.).† 6. Heraldry: (a) = tressure n.; (b) = track n. 7.† 7. A lineament, a feature; = trait n. 4, 5 Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > charge: device on shield > [noun] > less honourable charge > border near edge of shield > diminutives of
tressurea1440
trace1486
tract1486
fillet1572
tress1577
1486 Bk. St. Albans, Her. e vj b Off tractys in armys. Afore it is sayd of borduris in armys, now it folowith to se of tractis or lynys, and first of a symple tract; and they be calde tractis for as mych as the felde remaynyng of tharmys as wele with in as with owte, & an other lyne is drawyn of an other colowre..to the maner of a shelde.
1486 Bk. St. Albans, Her. e vj He berith asure a playn tract of golde.
1486 Bk. St. Albans, Her. e vij Thys tract is other wyle dowbull as in tharmys of the kyng of Scottelonde.
1610 J. Guillim Display of Heraldrie i. v. 17 When the Field and the Circumference or Tract about the same,..be both of one metall, colour or furre, then shall you not terme it a bordure.
1610 J. Guillim Display of Heraldrie ii. vi. 66 I purpose to present to your view a Threefold Orle or Tract, which doth include the twofold.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > feature > [noun]
track1513
lineamenta1535
delineament1596
tract1606
miniature1630
remark1660
trait1773
signalment1779
feature1828
1606 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. (new ed.) ii. iv. 32 Th' admired Tracts of a bewitching Face.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. i. 24 Like to the heauenly tract and resemblance of our blessed Sauiour.
1715 tr. M.-C. d'Aulnoy Wks. 193 His Hair brown, his Tracts all regular, his Teeth fine.
1775 C. Johnston Pilgrim 126 To account for some tracts in their national character.
IV. Senses approaching or coinciding with those of track n. and trace n.1† 11. A mark remaining where something has been; an indication, vestige (literal or figurative): = trace n.1 6. Obsolete.
8. Course, path, way, route; with of or possessive, the course or path traversed by a person, animal, or moving object: = track n. 3, 4 Now rare or Obsolete: usually expressed by track.In quot. 1799, applied to a course or channel for water.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > [noun]
lodeOE
wayOE
gatea1300
tracea1300
raik?c1350
coursec1380
coursec1380
racec1390
line1426
fairwayc1440
tradec1480
voye1541
tract1555
track1565
career?1614
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > [noun]
wayOE
route?c1225
line1426
itinerary?a1475
tract1555
road1598
wad1854
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 255v If I shulde sayle by the way of the northwest wynde, I shulde by a shorter tracte coomme to India.
1616 W. Forde Serm. 28 Like a bird in the aire, whose tract the aire closeth.
1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 170 A loose and flying sand,..accumulated into such heaps as upon any great wind the tract is lost, and passengers (too oft) overwhelmed and stifled.
1726 G. Shelvocke Voy. round World vi. 201 In the tract of the Manila ship.
1798 C. Smith Young Philosopher IV. 279 Perceiving that in the lane was certainly the most beaten tract, I hurried along it.
1799 J. Robertson Gen. View Agric. Perth 302 When the tract for conveying the water has been once made with judgment, it may remain for centuries.
1843 J. Nicholson Hist. & Tradit. Tales 196 I..will pursue his tract no longer.
1865 A. Smith Summer in Skye (1880) 143 In Skye one is every now and again coming on the tract of the distinguished travellers.
9. figurative. Course (of action, etc.); manner of proceeding, way, path: = track n. 5 rare or Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > [noun] > (a) course of conduct or action
wayeOE
pathOE
waya1225
tracea1300
line13..
dancea1352
tenor1398
featc1420
faction1447
rink?a1500
footpath1535
trade1536
vein1549
tract1575
course1582
road1600
country dance1613
track1638
steeragea1641
rhumb1666
tack1675
conduct1706
walk1755
wheel-way1829
1575 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure (rev. ed.) I. To Rdr. sig. Avjv The other prescribeth a directe pathe to treade the tracte of this present life.
1581 W. Lambarde Eirenarcha i. xvi. 124 In the Commission of the Peace, they are both conueyed vnder this one tract of speach.
1612 M. Drayton Poly-olbion To Rdr. sig. A A Poeme..whose vnusuall tract may perhaps seeme difficult, to the female Sex.
1632 J. Featley Honor of Chastity 19 Let it suffice that I walke in the vulgar tract, and divide sinne onely into originall and actuall.
1677 M. Hale Contempl. ii. 25 In the same path and tract which leads us to Glorifie God, which is our Duty.
1752 D. Hume Ess. & Treat. (1777) II. 23 Any particular thought which breaks in upon the regular tract, or chain of ideas.
1850 H. Miller Scenes & Legends N. Scotl. (ed. 2) xxvii. 394 Men..who, seeing nothing very knowing in simple honesty, exert their ingenuity in the opposite tract.
10. † b. = track n. 8. Obsolete.
a. A mark or impression marking the course of a person, animal, or thing; a footprint, trail: = trace n.1 4, 5: cf. track n. 1. Now rare or Obsolete; usually expressed by track.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > a mark > trace or vestige > [noun] > left by the passage of something > of a person or animal > track of footprints > footprint
trod946
lastOE
foot sporeOE
tread?c1225
stepc1290
footstepa1300
solec1325
tracta1547
footprint1552
traces1552
footing1563
foot track1600
accub1623
vestigating1634
vestige1656
seal1686
sign1692
footmark1756
stabble1863
pelmatogram1890
paw print1894
a1547 Earl of Surrey tr. Virgil Certain Bks. Aenæis (1557) ii. sig. Di A blasing sterre, dragging a brand or flame..By a long tract appointing vs the way.
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare iii. 204 There appeared..ye very tractes, and steppes of Christes feete.
1585 J. Higgins tr. Junius Nomenclator 390/1 Orbita, the trace, tract, or furrow of a cart wheele.
1595 Blanchardine & Eglantine v. B j b He had not ridden long, but he perceiued the tracktes & footsteps of a horse.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) i. i. 50 But flies an Eagle flight..Leauing no Tract behinde. View more context for this quotation
1632 Guillim's Display of Heraldrie (ed. 2) iii. xiv. 175 Termes of footing or treading... That of a Fallow Deere [or] Boare is termed Tract or Treading.
1709 W. Dampier Contin. Voy. New-Holland i. 35 I saw the Tract of an Alligator here.
1807 in Halliwell Life Shaks. (1887) II. 143 There was only one waggon tract along the lane.
a1856 H. Miller Testimony of Rocks (1857) xi. 435 I was struck..to see how nearly the tract of a small shore crab along the wet sand, resembled them.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > following behind > [noun] > pursuit > of a criminal or fugitive
tract1542
track1617
1542–3 Act 34 & 35 Hen. VIII c. 26 §47 If any goodes..be stolen..thenne upon suite therof hadde and made, the tracte shalbe folowed from Towneshipp to Towneship.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > a mark > trace or vestige > [noun]
signa1382
stepa1382
ficchingc1384
marka1400
tracesc1400
scentc1422
footstep?a1425
tidinga1440
relicc1475
smell?a1505
stead1513
vestigy1545
print1548
token1555
remnant1560
show1561
mention1564
signification1576
footing?1580
tract1583
remainder1585
vestige1602
wrack1602
engravement1604
footstepping1610
resent1610
ghost1613
impression1613
remark1624
footprint1625
studdle1635
vestigium1644
relict1646
perception1650
vestigiary1651
track1657
symptom1722
signacle1768
ray1773
vestigia1789
footmark1800
souvenir1844
latent1920
1583 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Serm. on Deuteronomie clxviii. 1040 Wee shall be handled with such rigour as shall make all them to tremble which see but the tracts thereof.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 281 Walles, which, as men may see by their tract, tooke up a mile in circuit.
1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 225 But no tract therof [of the Labyrinth] remained in the days of Pliny.
1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica i. x. 37 To obscure the diviner part, and efface all tract of its traduction. View more context for this quotation
1698 J. Crull Antient & Present State Muscovy I. 57 The Ruins appear now in some places six foot high,..the Tract being quite lost in others.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† tractv.1
Obsolete.
1. transitive. To negotiate: = treat v. 1b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > make an agreement with [verb (transitive)] > negotiate
setc900
treat1357
merchantc1400
tract1508
article1526
capitulate1567
articulate1602
to stand with ——1616
huckster1642
traffica1649
transact1654
negotiate1720
renegotiate1787
1508 in Lett. Richard III & Henry VII (1861) I. 451 The l[ove and kindnes] that have been used in the tracting of our said mariage.
2. To deal with in speech or writing; to discuss or discourse (transitive, or intransitive with of): = treat v. 2a, 2b.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > non-fiction > treatise or dissertation > write treatise about or treat of [verb (transitive)]
writeOE
handleOE
treatc1325
treatc1374
entreatc1425
treatise1506
tract1529
pertract1542
overharl1568
entracta1572
to speak to ——1610
1529 in State Papers Henry VIII (1834) II. 149 Whiche thinge is not to be tracted, or retracted, till the Parliament.
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Tract or treat of, tracto.
1588 A. King tr. P. Canisius Cathechisme or Schort Instr. 60 The sacraments..haue ane verray highe place in Christiane doctrine, and ar necessarie to be tractit of.
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 509 Of al which kind of traps shall be seuerally tracted: And first of all those which do ketch mice aliue.
a1637 B. Jonson tr. Horace Art of Poetrie 202 in Wks. (1640) III The man, who after Troy was sackt Saw many towns, & men, & could their manners tract.
3. transitive. To behave towards: = treat v. 7.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > follow (a course of behaviour) [verb (transitive)] > behave towards
ateec1000
leadc1175
makec1175
farec1230
beleadc1275
dightc1275
beseec1300
servec1300
treatc1374
usea1382
proceeda1393
demean1393
to deal witha1400
treatc1400
to do to ——a1425
entreat?a1425
handc1440
ferea1450
entertain1490
ray1509
to do unto ——?1523
tract1548
deal1573
to carry a strict (also severe, etc.) hand over (also upon, to)c1591
play1597
to comport with1675
to behave towards or to1754
usen1814
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry IV f. xvv The Erle..so gently and familiarly vsed and tracted the vulgare people.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Richard III f. xlvjv Nothinge contented that the erle of Richmonde was in his dominion so vncurteously tracted and entreated.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
† tractv.2
Obsolete.
I. To draw out or along.
1. transitive. To draw, pull along, haul, tow. (Superseded by track v.2)
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance by drawing along > draw along or haul [verb (transitive)]
drawOE
traila1500
tract1523
tow1933
1523 in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. v. 328 All..goods and marchandis as shalbe labored, tracted, and adventured by ony of the inhabitants of this citie..oute of the haven and porte of the same, into ony where else.
1727 A. Hamilton New Acct. E. Indies I. xi. 123 To carry a great Number of Men for tracting them up against the Stream, when the Winds are against them.
1780 Falconer's Universal Dict. Marine (rev. ed.) at Tract-scout [= Dutch trekschuit] It is usually tracted by a horse.
1780 [see ]. 2.
a. To lengthen out, prolong, protract (time); to spend or waste in delay; to delay, put off.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (transitive)]
forslowc888
eldc897
forsita940
gele971
lengOE
drilla1300
delayc1300
onfrestc1300
tarryc1320
jornc1330
dretchc1380
defer1382
forbida1387
to put offa1387
to put (also set) (something) in (or on) delaya1393
dilate1399
fordrawa1400
to put overc1410
latch?c1422
adjournc1425
prolongc1425
proloynec1425
rejournc1425
to put in respite1428
sleuthc1430
respitea1450
prorogue1453
refer1466
sleep1470
supersede1482
respectc1487
postpone1496
overseta1500
respett1500
enjourna1513
relong1523
retract1524
tarde1524
track1524
to fode forth1525
tract1527
protract1528
further1529
to make stay of1530
surcease1530
prorogate1534
to fay upon longc1540
linger1543
retard?1543
slake1544
procrastine1548
reprieve1548
remit1550
suspense1556
leave1559
shiftc1562
suspend1566
procrastinate1569
dally1574
post1577
to hold off1580
drift1584
loiter1589
postpose1598
to take one's (own) timea1602
flag1602
slug1605
elong1610
belay1613
demur1613
tardya1616
to hang up1623
frist1637
disjourn1642
future1642
off1642
waive1653
superannuate1655
perendinate1656
stave1664
detard1675
remora1686
to put back1718
withhold1726
protract1737
to keep over1847
to hold over1853
laten1860
to lay over1885
hold1891
back-burner1975
1527 Bp. W. Knight in N. Pocock Rec. Reformation (1870) I. xxviii. 57 The rivers not being always passable he hath of necessity tracted the time.
1529 in J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1856) I. iii. 192 The causes depending..may..be in such wise tracted and delayed, as your subjects suing in the same shall be put to importable charges.
1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 610 He tracted time, & gaue them leasure to prepare to encounter his force.
1647 W. Lilly Christian Astrol. xlix. 303 By dallying and tracting the time there shall be trouble.
b. intransitive. To be drawn out or prolonged, to continue: in present participle protracted, continuous.
ΚΠ
1592 [see tracting n. and adj. at Derivatives].
3. figurative. To draw on, draw out; to induce.
ΚΠ
1615 [see sense 5].
II. To follow a course, and related uses.
4. To go or travel along, tread, pursue (a path): = trace v.1 3. Cf. track v.1 3. (In quots. figurative)
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > [verb (transitive)] > traverse a distance or ground
runeOE
overcomeOE
meteOE
through-gangOE
passc1300
to pass over ——c1300
overpassc1325
tracec1381
travela1393
traverse?a1400
travelc1400
measure?a1425
walkc1450
go1483
journey1531
peragrate1542
trade1548
overspin1553
overtrace1573
tract1579
progress1587
invade1590
waste1590
wear1596
march1606
void1608
recovera1625
expatiate1627
lustrate1721
do1795
slip1817
cover1818
clear1823
track1823
itinerate1830
betravel1852
to roll off1867
1579 T. Twyne tr. Petrarch Phisicke against Fortune ii. xxxv. 212 This path is but litle tracted.
1613 J. Marston & W. Barksted Insatiate Countesse i. A ij b [Death] From whose sterne Caue none tracts a backward path.
5. To pursue or follow up by the footprints or traces; also figurative: = trace v.1 5, track v.1 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > following behind > follow [verb (transitive)] > follow (a track or trail) > follow track or trail of
troda1250
tracec1440
track1565
train1575
tract1577
hunt1579
foot1581
trail1590
to tread the feet of1596
insist1631
pad1861
sleuth1905
back-trail1907
back-track1925
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 1007/2 In the ende, they brought him to tract the steppes of lewde demeanor.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. i. sig. M8v By what meanes may I his footing tract?
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. vi. sig. R7 As Shepheardes curre..Hath tracted forth some saluage beastes trade [= tread].
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. vii. 3 Well did he tract his steps as he did ryde. View more context for this quotation
1615 E. Hoby Curry-combe To Rdr. 2 Hee that tracts a Fugitiue must take the By-path.
1654 R. Flecknoe Ten Years Trav. 43 Which false rumours I tracted from the very Fountain.
6. To draw, delineate: = trace v.1 11.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > representation > a plastic or graphic representation > graphic representation > represent graphically [verb (transitive)]
figurec1380
draw1542
tract1611
exhibit1799
1611 J. Speed Hist. Great Brit. vi. xviii. 220/1 Hauing seene it [sc. a wall] so tracted in an ancient Chorographicall Chart.
7. intransitive ? To border upon. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > distance > nearness > be near to [verb (transitive)] > be in contact with > border on
toucha1387
coastc1400
border1535
to bound on?1577
mere1577
board1596
bank1598
skirt1602
tract1612
bounder1636
buttal1642
border1647
hadland1649
line1846
1612 J. Speed Theatre of Empire of Great Brit. i. xiv. 27/1 [Of Barkshire] the South neere Kennet doth tract vpon Hampshire.
Derivatives
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > attraction, allurement, or enticement > [adjective]
tolling?c1225
ticinga1400
allectivec1487
illecebrous1531
alluring1534
tracting1535
wooing1549
enticing1553
training1557
tittling1560
luring1570
adamantine1581
baiting1585
winning1596
attractive1600
adamantic1605
adamantive1605
enticeable1607
soliciting1608
magnetic1611
invitinga1616
allurant1631
inescating1633
invitative1634
magnetical1638
invitatory1646
tractive1658
odalisque1837
Pied Piper1869
lureful1887
follow-me1888
luresome1889
come-hitherish1901
come-hither1905
come-hithery1919
invitational1922
come-hithering1935
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > [noun]
longingeOE
bideOE
abodec1225
bodea1300
demura1300
dwella1300
litinga1300
delayc1300
delayingc1300
demurrancec1300
but honec1325
without ensoignec1325
abidec1330
dretchingc1330
dwellingc1330
essoinc1330
tarrying1340
litea1350
delaymenta1393
respitea1393
oversettinga1398
delayancea1400
delitea1400
lingeringa1400
stounding?a1400
sunyiea1400
targea1400
train?a1400
deferring14..
dilation14..
dayc1405
prolongingc1425
spacec1430
adjourningc1436
retardationc1437
prolongation?a1439
training1440
adjournment1445
sleuthingc1450
tarry1451
tarriance1460
prorogation1476
oversetc1485
tarriage1488
debaid1489
supersedement1492
superseding1494
off-putting1496
postponing1496
tract1503
dilating1509
sparinga1513
hafting1519
sufferance1523
tracking1524
sticking1525
stay1530
pause1532
protraction1535
tracting1535
protract of time1536
protracting1540
postposition1546
staying1546
procrastination1548
difference1559
surceasing1560
tardation1568
detract1570
detracting1572
tarryment1575
rejourning1578
detraction1579
longness1579
rejournment1579
holding1581
reprieving1583
cunctation1585
retarding1585
retardance1586
temporizing1587
by and by1591
suspensea1592
procrastinatinga1594
tardance1595
linger1597
forslacking1600
morrowing1602
recess1603
deferment1612
attendance1614
put-off1623
adjournal1627
fristing1637
hanging-up1638
retardment1640
dilatoriness1642
suspension1645
stickagea1647
tardidation1647
transtemporation1651
demurragea1656
prolatation1656
prolation1656
moration1658
perendination1658
offput1730
retardure1751
postponement1757
retard1781
traverse1799
tarrowing1832
mañana1845
temporization1888
procrastinativeness1893
deferral1895
traa dy liooar1897
stalling1927
heel-tapping1949
off-put1970
the world > time > duration > [adjective] > long-lasting or enduring > protracting or drawing out > extended in duration
tracting1535
prolonged1557
long-drawn1592
spaciousa1593
lengthened1597
protracted1598
stretched1609
producted1628
continuated1632
extended1737
long-drawn-out1752
drawn-out1824
spun1869
the world > movement > impelling or driving > pushing and pulling > [noun] > pulling
drawingc1300
draughta1398
pullinga1425
draggingc1440
halingc1440
lugging?a1500
attraction1578
toilingc1600
trainage1611
hale1615
traction1615
hauling1626
trail1674
tracting1780
haulage1826
pull1833
drawal1936
1535 Act 27 Hen. VIII c. 3 Without frustrate or wilfull delaye or tractyng of the tyme.
1592 W. Warner Albions Eng. (rev. ed.) vii. xxxvii. 162 I heard a tracting sownd.
1615 J. Stephens Satyrical Ess. (1857) 202 The names of Foxe, Hare, and Bucke, be all tracting sillables; sufficient to furnish fifteen meales with long discourse in the adventures of each. Foxe drawes in his exploits done against Cubbes... Hare brings out his encounters [etc.].
1780 Falconer's Universal Dict. Marine (rev. ed.) Tracting, the act of pulling any vessel..along the stream of a canal or river, by means of a rope.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
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