Truce, n.

noun

n. [O. Eng. trewis, trewse, trewe, Norm. Fr. trewe, O. Fr. trive, triue, treve, trieue, truwe, triuwe, triuue, N. Fr. treue, Pr. treu, trea, tregua, trega, Sp. tregua, It. tregua, triegua, Pg. tregoa, L. Lat. treuga, tregua, trauga, trewa, a truce, from O. H. Ger. triuba, triuwa, faith, compact, N. H. Ger. treue, A-S. treów, tryw, treówa, truwa, Goth. triggva. See TRUE.]

Sense 1. (Mil.) A suspension of arms by agreement of the commanders; a temporary cessation of hostilities, for negotiation or other purpose; an armistice.

Sense 2. Hence, intermission of action, pain, or contest; temporary cessation; short quiet.

There he may find True to his restless thoughts. Milton.

Flag of truce (Mil.), a white flag carried or exhibited by one of the hostile parties, during the flying of which hostilities are suspended.—Truce of God, a suspension of arms, which occasionally took place in the middle ages, putting a stop to private hostilities, at or within certain periods. Brande.