Retreat

Retreat Re*treat", 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?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]

Note: 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]