distractĭo, ōnis, f. [distraho], a pulling asunder, dividing, separating.
I In gen.
A Lit.: distractio cruciatusque membrorum, Gell. 12, 5, 3.—
B Transf., a parting , dividing : humanorum animorum, Cic. N. D. 1, 11, 27: animi corporisque, Sen. Ep. 30 fin. : harum mihi voluptatum omnium atque itidem tibi distractio, discidium, vastities venit, Plaut. Ps. 1, 1, 68.—
C In partic., in mercant. lang., a selling in single portions , piecemeal , or by retail : fundi, Dig. 2, 15, 8, § 15: mercium, ib. 14, 3, 5, § 12.—
II Trop., dissension , discord , disagreement : nulla nobis societas cum tyrannis et potius summa distractio est, Cic. Off. 3, 6, 32; so, civium, Varr. ap. Non. 287, 15.