Tract — Defs

01 n. A written discourse or dissertation, generally of short extent; a short treatise, especially on practical religion.

1.
A written discourse or dissertation, generally of short extent; a short treatise, especially on practical religion.
“The church clergy at that time writ the best collection of tracts against popery that ever appeared.” — Swift.

Phrases & compounds

Tracts for the Times — See Tractarian.

02 n. Something drawn out or extended; expanse.

1.
Something drawn out or extended; expanse.
2.
A region or quantity of land or water, of indefinite extent; an area; as, an unexplored tract of sea.
“A very high mountain joined to the mainland by a narrow tract of earth.” — Addison.
3.
Traits; features; lineaments.[Obs.]
“The discovery of a man's self by the tracts of his countenance is a great weakness.” — Bacon.
4.
The footprint of a wild beast.[Obs.]
5.
Track; trace.[Obs.]
“Efface all tract of its traduction.” — Sir T. Browne.

“But flies an eagle flight, bold, and forthon, Leaving no tract behind.” — Shak.
6.
Treatment; exposition.[Obs.]
7.
Continuity or extension of anything; as, the tract of speech.[Obs.]
8.
Continued or protracted duration; length; extent.
9.
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.(R. C. Ch.)

Syn. Region; district; quarter; essay; treatise; dissertation.

03 v. t. To trace out; to track; also, to draw out; to protact.