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Definition of pact - 3 dictionary results

pact

[pakt]
–noun
1. an agreement, covenant, or compact: We made a pact not to argue any more.
2. an agreement or treaty between two or more nations: a pact between Germany and Italy.

Origin:
1400–50; late ME pact(e) < MF < L pactum, n. use of neut. of ptp. of pacīscī to make a bargain, contract
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pact   (pākt)   
n.  
  1. A formal agreement, such as one between nations; a treaty.

  2. A compact; a bargain.


[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin pactum, from neuter sing. past participle of pacīscī, to agree; see pag- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

pact 
1429, from M.Fr. pacte "agreement, treaty, compact," from L. pactum "contract, covenant," from neut. pp. of pacisci "to covenant, to agree, make a treaty," from PIE base *pag- "fix, join together, unite, make firm" (cf. Skt. pasa- "cord, rope," Avestan pas- "to fetter," Gk. pegnynai "to fix, make firm, fast or solid," L. pangere "to fix, to fasten," Rus. pazu "joint," O.E. fegan "to join," fon "to catch seize").
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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