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. [ 1913 Webster ] In a retreat he o&unr_;truns any lackey. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The place to which anyone retires; a place or privacy or safety; a refuge; an asylum. [ 1913 Webster ] He built his son a house of pleasure, and spared no cost to make a delicious retreat. L'Estrange. [ 1913 Webster ] That pleasing shade they sought, a soft retreat
From sudden April showers, a shelter from the heat. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ A retreat is properly an orderly march, in which circumstance it differs from a flight. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Retirement; departure; withdrawment; seclusion; solitude; privacy; asylum; shelter; refuge. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
