retreat

name

1. A locality in the Tamworth council area, north eastern New South Wales, Australia.
2. A locality in George Town council area and the City of Launceston, northern Tasmania, Australia.

noun

Etymology: From Middle English retret, from Old French retrait or retret, from Latin retractus, from retraho. Doublet of retract, retrait, and ritratto.

1. The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.

   “In a retreat he outruns any lackey.”

2. The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.
3. The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.

   “The general opted for a swift retreat because he saw his troops were vastly outnumbered.”

4. A peaceful, quiet place affording privacy or security.

   “a mountain retreat”

   “"[…] But come, Lady, we are too near the mouth of the cavern; let us seek its inmost recesses. […]" "Though all your actions are noble, […] is it fitting that I should accompany you alone into these perplexed retreats? Should we be found together, what would a censorious world think of my conduct?"”

5. A peaceful, quiet place in which to urinate and defecate: an outhouse; a lavatory.
6. A period of retirement, seclusion, or solitude, especially for meditation, prayer, or study.

   “We both need a week retreat after those two stressful years working in the city.”

   “a Buddhist retreat”

7. A signal for a military withdrawal.
8. A bugle call or drumbeat signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset, as on a military base.

   “to-morrow the Royal Standard will be hoisted at Edinburgh Castle from reveille to retreat.”

9. A military ceremony to lower the flag.
10. The move of a piece from a threatened position.

verb

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Italic *wre- Latin re-der. Old French re-bor. Middle English re- English re- English treat English retreat From re- + treat.

1. Alternative form of re-treat.