1. To sell in small quantities, as by the single yard, pound, gallon, etc.; to sell directly to the consumer; as, to retail cloth or groceries.
2. To sell at second hand. [Obs. or R.] Pope.
3. To distribute in small portions or at second hand; to tell again or to many (what has been told or done); to report; as, to retail slander. "To whom I will retail my conquest won." Shak. He is wit's peddler, and retails his wares At wakes and wassails. Shak.
RETAILER
Re*tail"er, n.
Defn: One who retails anything; as, a retailer of merchandise; a retailer of gossip.
RETAILMENT
Re*tail"ment, n.
Defn: The act of retailing.
RETAIN
Re*tain", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retained; p. pr. & vb. n. Retaining.]
Etym: [F. retainir, L. retinere; pref. re- re- + tenere to hold,
keep. See Tenable, and cf. Rein of a bridle, Retention, Retinue.]
1. To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose, part with, or dismiss; to retrain from departure, escape, or the like. "Thy shape invisibleretain." Shak. Be obedient, and retain Unalterably firm his love entire. Milton. An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator. Blackstone.
2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor. A Benedictine convent has now retained the most learned father of their order to write in its defense. Addison.