v.
(of an army) withdraw from confrontation with enemy forces.
▸move back or withdraw.
▸withdraw to a quiet or secluded place.
n.
- an act of retreating.
▸a signal for a military force to withdraw.
- a quiet or secluded place.
▸a period or place of seclusion for prayer and meditation.
- a military musical ceremony carried out at sunset.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. retret (n.), retraiter (v.), from L. retrahere (see retract).