Retours de la tranchée, Fr. returns of a trench. In fortification, the several windings and oblique deviations of a trench which are drawn, in some measure, parallel to the sides of the place attacked, in order to avoid being enfiladed, or having the shot of the enemy scour along the length of the line. On account of these different returns a considerable interval is opened between the head and the tail of the trench, which, were the lines directed, would not be at any great distance from each other.
RETRAITE, Fr. See [Retreat].
Retraite dans les montagnes, Fr. The act of fading back or retreating among the mountains.
Faire RETRAITE, Fr. To retire, to fall back.
Battre la RETRAITE, Fr. To beat the tap-too.
Se battre en RETRAITE, Fr. To maintain a running fight.
RETRAITE, Fr. certain appointments which were given during the French monarchy to infantry officers, when they retired from the active duties of their profession, to afford them means of support. The pensions which were settled upon cavalry officers were likewise distinguished by the same term.
Retraite, Fr. See [Relais].
RETRANCHEMENS. Fr. See [Retrenchments].
Retranchemens particuliers qu’on fait sur la tête des brèches d’une place assiègèe, Fr. Particular retrenchments, which are made in front of breaches that have been effected in the walls of a besieged town.