RETREAT (O. Fr. retrete, mod. retraite, from

See also:

• LAT

Lat. retrahere, to draw back)  , a withdrawal, especially of a body of troops after a defeat or in face of a superior enemy . In military usage " retreat " is also the term for a signal, given by bugle and drum at or about sunset . It is the last general signal before " tattoo." In religious usage, a " retreat " is a period and place set apart for prayer, self-examination and other spiritual exercises . Such " retreats " conducted by a director have long been the practice in the Roman Church . They were introduced into the English Church by Pusey . The word is also used of an institution or home where insane persons or habitual inebriates may be treated . For the law relating to " licensed retreats " for inebriates, see INEBRIETY, LAW OF .