Definify.com
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 writingThe
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)
- A reduction or curtailment; often referring to a business or government agency cutting back operations or laying off workers.
- (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).
Translations
a reduction or curtailment
a defensive entrenchment
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