\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.
         In a retreat he o?truns any lackey.   --Shak.
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.     --L'Estrange.
         That pleasing shade they sought, a soft retreat From
         sudden April showers, a shelter from the heat.
                                               --Dryden.
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.
Note: A retreat is properly an orderly march, in which
      circumstance it differs from a flight.
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.
Syn: Retirement; departure; withdrawment; seclusion;
     solitude; privacy; asylum; shelter; refuge.

\Re*treat"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Retreated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Retreating}.]
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.                      --Milton.