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Webster 1913 Edition


Retrenchment

Re-trench′ment

,
Noun.
[Cf. F.
retrenchment
.]
1.
The act or process of retrenching;
as, the
retrenchment
of words in a writing
.
The
retrenchment
of my expenses will convince you that [GREEK] mean to replace your fortune as far as I can.
Walpole.
2.
(Fort.)
A work constructed within another, to prolong the defense of the position when the enemy has gained possession of the outer work; or to protect the defenders till they can retreat or obtain terms for a capitulation.
Syn. – Lessening; curtailment; diminution; reduction; abridgment.

Webster 1828 Edition


Retrenchment

RETRENCH'MENT

, n.
1.
The act of lopping off; the act of removing what is superfluous; as the retrenchment of words or lines in a writing.
2.
The act of curtailing, lessening or abridging; diminution; as the retrenchment of expenses.
3.
In military affairs, any work raised to cover a post and fortify it against an enemy; such as fascines, gabions, sandbags and the like.
Numerous remains of Roman retrenchments, constructed to cover the country -

Definition 2024


retrenchment

retrenchment

English

Noun

retrenchment (plural retrenchments)

  1. A reduction or curtailment; often referring to a business or government agency cutting back operations or laying off workers.
  2. (military, dated) A defensive work constructed within a fortification to make it more defensible (by allowing defenders to retreat into and fight from it even after the enemy has taken the outer work).

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