■ verb (of an army) withdraw from confrontation with enemy forces.
↘move back or withdraw.
↘withdraw to a quiet or secluded place.
■ noun
1》 an act of ~ing.
↘a signal for a military force to withdraw.
2》 a quiet or secluded place.
↘a period or place of seclusion for prayer and meditation.
3》 a military musical ceremony carried out at sunset.
Origin
ME: from OFr. retret (n.), retraiter (v.), from L. retrahere (see retract ).