RETIRED PAY. A graduated pension for retired officers; but the term is nearly synonymous with half pay.
RETRACTUS AQUÆ. An old law-term for the ebb or return of tide.
RETREAT. The order in which a fleet or squadron declines engagement. Or the retrograde movement of any body of men who retire from a hostile force. Also, that beat of drum about sunset which orders the guards and piquets to take up their night duties.
RETRENCHMENT. A defence with a ditch and breast-work behind another post or defence, whereby the besieger, on forcing the original work, is confronted by a fresh one.
RETROGRADATION. An apparent motion of the planets contrary to the order of the signs, and to their orbital march. The arc of retrogradation is the angular distance thus apparently traversed. Mars may be watched as an instance.
RETROGRADE MOTION. See [Motion].
RETURN. A ship on a return voyage is not generally liable; but if she sailed on the outward voyage under false papers, the liability to confiscation continues.
RETURN A SALUTE, To. Admirals are saluted, but return two guns less for each rank that the saluting officer is below the admiral.
RETURNS. All the various reports and statements required by officers in command to be made periodically. (See [Supplies and Returns].)
REVEILLE. The beat of drum at break of day, when night duties cease.