Note: A retreat is properly an orderly march, in which circumstance it differs from a flight.
4. (Eccl.) (a) A special season of solitude and silence to engage in religious exercises. (b) A period of several days of withdrawal from society to a religious house for exclusive occupation in the duties of devotion; as, to appoint or observe a retreat.
Syn. — Retirement; departure; withdrawment; seclusion; solitude; privacy; asylum; shelter; refuge.
RETREAT
Re*treat", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Retreated; p. pr. & vb. n.
Retreating.]
Defn: To make a retreat; to retire from any position or place; to withdraw; as, the defeated army retreated from the field. The rapid currents drive Towards the retreating sea their furious tide. Milton.
RETREATFUL
Re*treat"ful, a.
Defn: Furnishing or serving as a retreat. [R.] "Our retreatful flood." Chapman.
RETREATMENT
Re*treat"ment, n.
Defn: The act of retreating; specifically, the Hegira. [R.] D'Urfey.
RETRENCH
Re*trench", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retrenched; p. pr. & vb. n.
Retrenching.] Etym: [OF. retrenchier, F. retrancher; pref. re- re- +
OF. trenchier, F. trancher, to cut. See Trench.]