'Retrenching' definitions:

Definition of 'Retrenching'

From: GCIDE
  • Retrench \Re*trench"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retrenched; p. pr. & vb. n. Retrenching.] [OF. retrenchier, F. retrancher; pref. re- re- + OF. trenchier, F. trancher, to cut. See Trench.]
  • 1. To cut off; to pare away. [1913 Webster]
  • Thy exuberant parts retrench. --Denham. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To lessen; to abridge; to curtail; as, to retrench superfluities or expenses. [1913 Webster]
  • But this thy glory shall be soon retrenched. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To confine; to limit; to restrict. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
  • These figures, ought they then to receive a retrenched interpretation? --I. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Fort.) To furnish with a retrenchment; as, to retrench bastions. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: To lesen; diminish; curtail; abridge. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Retrenching'