private treaty

American  

noun

1. a property sale based on terms resulting from a conference between buyer and seller.

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private treaty British  

noun

1. a sale of property for a price agreed directly between seller and buyer

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Etymology

Origin of private treaty

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Far more transactions, he added, take place in dealer showrooms, through print or online listings or in direct “private treaty” negotiations between buyers and sellers.

From New York Times

Cattle are typically sold in a few ways: in a private treaty between seller and buyer or at auction.

From Los Angeles Times

It advertises the Sappho fragment for sale by private treaty.

From The Guardian

Security equipment like full-body scanners and automatic passport gates will be available through private treaty sales after a security check of the buyers.

From New York Times

He usually markets his cattle by private treaty, but prices have fallen after hitting record highs and not as many producers are turning out the smaller cattle this year.

From Washington Times