̘. ̈n.ˈkɔntrækt n. & v. --n. 1 a
written or
spoken agreement between two or
more parties,
intended to be enforceable by
law. 2 a
document recording this. 3
marriage regarded as a
binding commitment. 4 Bridge etc. an
undertaking to
win the number of tricks
bid. --v. 1 tr. & intr.
make or
become smaller. 2 a intr. (usu. foll. by with) make a contract. b intr. (usu. foll. by
for, or to + infin.)
enter formally
into a
business or
legal arrangement. c tr. (often foll. by out)
arrange (work) to be
done by contract. 3 tr.
catch or
develop (a disease). 4 tr.
form or develop (a
friendship,
habit, etc.). 5 tr. enter into (marriage). 6 tr.
incur (a
debt etc.). 7 tr.
shorten (a word) by
combination or
elision. 8 tr.
draw (one's muscles,
brow, etc.)
together. øcontract bridge the
most common form of bridge, in
which only tricks bid
and won count
towards the game. contract in (or out) (also refl.)
Brit.
choose to be involved in (or
withdraw or
remain out of) a
scheme or commitment. øøcontractive adj. [earlier as
adj., = contracted:
OF, f. L contractus (as
COM-, trahere tractdraw)]
