Definition of: contract

(kən·trakt′ for v. defs. 1, 2, 4–8; kon′trakt, kən·trakt′ for v. def. 3) v.t.
1. To reduce in size; abridge in compass or duration; shrink; narrow.
2. To wrinkle; draw together, as the brow.
3. To arrange or settle by agreement; enter upon with reciprocal obligations.
4. To acquire or become affected with, as a disease or habit.
5. Gram. To shorten, as a word, by omitting or combining medial letters or sounds.
6. To betroth.
—v.i.
7. To shrink; become reduced in size.
8. To make a contract.
—noun (kon′trakt)
1. Law A formal agreement, or the writing containing it.
2. A betrothal or marriage.
3. The department of law dealing with contracts.
4. Contract bridge: see under BRIDGE².
—yellow dog contract A contract whereby an employee agrees not to join a union. [<L contractus, pp. of contrahere <com- together + trahere pull, draw] Synonyms (noun): agreement, arrangement, bargain, cartel, compact, convenant, engagement, promise, stipulation. An agreement or a contract may be oral or written, but a consideration or compensation is essential to a contract. A covenant, in law, is a written contract under seal. Convenant is frequent in religious usage, as contract is in law and business. Compact is essentially the same as contract, but is applied to international agreements, treaties, etc. A bargain is a mutual agreement for an exchange of values, without the formality of a contract. A stipulation is a single item in an agreement or contract. Compare SALE.