R. C. Ch. Also 4–5 tracte, 5 tratt. [ad. med.L. TRACTUS, q.v. (In Fr. trait.)] An anthem consisting of verses of Scripture, usually from the Psalms, sung instead of the Alleluia in the mass from Septuagesima till Easter Eve.
1387. Trevisa, Higden (Rolls), VII. 145. When forsoþe it was comen toward þe tracte [L. Cum autem ad versum tractus ventum fuisset] in whiche it is songen, Scitote quoniam Dominus ipse est Deus.
c. 1450. in Aungier, Syon (1840), 327. From septuagesym in to ester thys tracte Gaude Maria schal be songe at lectren.
1483. Caxton, Gold. Leg., 412/1. Gelasyus and Gregory added therto collettis and sange to the lessons and gospellys graylles tracte and alleluya.
1483. Cath. Angl., 391/1. A Tracte (A. A Tratt), sistema, tractus.
1546. Langley, Pol. Verg. De Invent., V. viii. 108 b. The Tract Durandus saieth was deuysed by Teleophorus.
1624. Darcie, Birth of Heresies, xviii. 74. In stead of which Alleluia is sung another song called a tract, with a loud voice, and a protracted note, in a graue kind of Musicke.
1867. C. Walker, Ritual Reason Why, 155. These were called the Tract, from being drawn out (tractus) to a mournful cadence.
1877. J. D. Chambers, Div. Worship, 331. The Tract was usually a mournful Psalm, or part of a Psalm.
