Middle English Dictionary Entry
retrēt(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | retrēt(e n. Also (late) retrette. |
| Etymology | OF retrait(e, retret(e, retrette. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A withdrawal, retreat; maken ~; (b) a withdrawal into privacy; maken ~, to retire; (c) a place of privacy; a secluded dwelling; (d) ?a step backwards; ?a backhanded blow; (e) a wound to a horse's hoof caused by a nail which is then withdrawn.
Associated quotations
a
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)8.2416 : Er thou make eny suche assaies To love, and faile upon the fet, Betre is to make a beau retret.
- c1500(?a1475) Ass.Gods (Trin-C R.3.19)1063 : He was constreynyd clerely by duresse A lytyll tyne abak to make abew retret.
b
- a1500 Partenay (Trin-C R.3.17)3944 : Into A chambre ther made he retret, hit unshit entring, the dore after drew.
c
- c1500(?a1437) ?Jas.I KQ (SeldArch B.24)st.96 : In a retrete lytill of compas, Depeyntit all with sighis..Fond I Venus upon hir bed.
- c1500 Melusine (Roy 18.B.2)294/34 : Þey conduyted hym vnto a leghe nygh to the sayd geauntis retrette or pryue dwellyng.
d
- c1330(?c1300) Bevis (Auch)120/2537 : Ascopard wiþ a retret Smot after Beues a dent gret.
e
- c1450 Diseases Horse (Yale 163)43 : For a retrete.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
Note: For sense (e), see OED retreat n., sense 7.