GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Retreat , n. [F. retraite, fr. retraire to withdraw, L. retrahere; pref. re- re- + trahere to draw. See Trace, and cf. Retract, Retrace.]
   The act of retiring or withdrawing one's self, especially from what is dangerous or disagreeable.
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   In a retreat he otruns any lackey.
   Shak.
   
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   The place to which anyone retires; a place or privacy or safety; a refuge; an asylum.
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   He built his son a house of pleasure, and spared no cost to make a delicious retreat.
   L'Estrange.
   
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   That pleasing shade they sought, a soft retreat
   From sudden April showers, a shelter from the heat.
   Dryden.
   
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   (Mil. & Naval.) (a) The retiring of an army or body of men from the face of an enemy, or from any ground occupied to a greater distance from the enemy, or from an advanced position. (b) The withdrawing of a ship or fleet from an enemy for the purpose of avoiding an engagement or escaping after defeat. (c) A signal given in the army or navy, by the beat of a drum or the sounding of trumpet or bugle, at sunset (when the roll is called), or for retiring from action.
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   ☞ A retreat is properly an orderly march, in which circumstance it differs from a flight.
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   (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.
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   Syn. -- Retirement; departure; withdrawment; seclusion; solitude; privacy; asylum; shelter; refuge.
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2.       
   Retreat , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Retreated; p. pr. & vb. n. Retreating.] To make a retreat; to retire from any position or place; to withdraw; as, the defeated army retreated from the field.
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   The rapid currents drive
   Towards the retreating sea their furious tide.
   Milton.
   
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