v. & n.
--v.
1. a intr. (esp. of military forces) go back, retire; relinquish a position. b tr. cause to retreat; move back.
2 intr. (esp. of features) recede; slope back.
--n.
1. a the act or an instance of retreating. b Mil. a signal for this.
2 withdrawal into privacy or security.
3 a place of shelter or seclusion.
4 a period of seclusion for prayer and meditation.
5 Mil. a bugle-call at sunset.
6 a place for the reception of the elderly or others in need of care.
Etymology: ME f. OF retret (n.), retraiter (v.) f. L retrahere: see RETRACT