Tract

Tract Tract, n. [L. tractus a drawing, train, track, course, tract of land, from trahere tractum, to draw. Senses 4 and 5 are perhaps due to confusion with track. See {Trace},v., and cf. {Tratt}.] 1. Something drawn out or extended; expanse. ``The deep tract of hell.'' --Milton. [1913 Webster]

2. A region or quantity of land or water, of indefinite extent; an area; as, an unexplored tract of sea. [1913 Webster]

A very high mountain joined to the mainland by a narrow tract of earth. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

3. Traits; features; lineaments. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

The discovery of a man's self by the tracts of his countenance is a great weakness. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

4. The footprint of a wild beast. [Obs.] --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

5. Track; trace. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Efface all tract of its traduction. --Sir T. Browne. [1913 Webster]

But flies an eagle flight, bold, and forthon, Leaving no tract behind. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

6. Treatment; exposition. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

7. Continuity or extension of anything; as, the tract of speech. [Obs.] --Older. [1913 Webster]

8. Continued or protracted duration; length; extent. ``Improved by tract of time.'' --Milton. [1913 Webster]

9. (R. C. Ch.) Verses of Scripture sung at Mass, instead of the Alleluia, from Septuagesima Sunday till the Saturday befor Easter; -- so called because sung tractim, or without a break, by one voice, instead of by many as in the antiphons. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Region; district; quarter; essay; treatise; dissertation. [1913 Webster]