Retreat
Retreat , noun
[French retraite, from retraire to withdraw, Latin retrahere; pref. re- re- + trahere to draw. See Trace, and compare Retract, Retrace.]
1.
The act of retiring or withdrawing one's self, especially from what is dangerous or disagreeable.
In a retreat he outruns any lackey.
2.
The place to which anyone retires; a place or privacy or safety; a refuge; an asylum.
He built his son a house of pleasure, and spared no cost to make a delicious retreat.
That pleasing shade they sought, a soft retreat
From sudden April showers, a shelter from the heat.
3.
(a) (Military & Naval.) 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)
(Military & Naval.) The withdrawing of a ship or fleet from an enemy for the purpose of avoiding an engagement or escaping after defeat.
(c)
(Military & Naval.) 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.
A retreat is properly an orderly march, in which circumstance it differs from a flight.
4.
(a) (Ecclesiastical) A special season of solitude and silence to engage in religious exercises.
(b)
(Ecclesiastical) 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.
Retreat , intransitive verb
To make a retreat; to retire from any position or place; to withdraw; as, the defeated army retreated from the field.
The rapid currents drive
Towards the retreating sea their furious tide.