treating

1. (historical, uncountable) The practice of men providing young women ("charity girls") with entertainment outings, gifts, etc. in exchange for companionship and intimate activity.historicaluncountable

2. (UK and Commonwealth, law, uncountable) The electoral offence of offering an inducement such as food, drink or entertainment to a voter.Examples: "In the ensuing year [ 1804 ], in the Middlesex case, Mr. Mainwaring was charged with treating - by means of victuals supplied at an inn, at Brentford, by the order of persons proved to be his agents, and for which other persons, also proved to be his agents, had promised to pay."; "Where such a combination does not exist, any amount of bribery, treating, and intimidation may be carried on with perfect impunity"; "He said the ballots were double-cast or cast from false addresses; false statements were made against Mr Biggs [John Biggs AM, candidate for Mayor of Tower Hamlets]; there was money that was given to organisations who were ineligible for organisations; treating took place, that is to say free food and drink was dished out to people to vote for Mr Rahman; and there was what is called spiritual influence - voters were told it was their religious duty to vote for Mr Rahman."CommonwealthUKuncountable