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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Retreat \Re*treat"\, n. [F. retraite, fr. retraire to withdraw,
L. retrahere; pref. re- re- trahere to draw. See {Trace},
and cf. {Retract}, {Retrace}.]
1. The act of retiring or withdrawing one's self, especially
from what is dangerous or disagreeable.
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In a retreat he o?truns any lackey. --Shak.
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2. 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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3. (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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Note: A retreat is properly an orderly march, in which
circumstance it differs from a flight.
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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.
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Syn: Retirement; departure; withdrawment; seclusion;
solitude; privacy; asylum; shelter; refuge.
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Retreat \Re*treat"\, 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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