Part 297

3. To confine; to limit; to restrict. Addison.

These figures, ought they then to receive a retrenched interpretation?

I. Taylor.

4. (Fort.) To furnish with a retrenchment; as, to retrench bastions.

Syn. -- To lesen; diminish; curtail; abridge.

Re*trench", v. i. To cause or suffer retrenchment; specifically, to cut down living expenses; as, it is more reputable to retrench than to live embarrassed.

Re*trench"ment (?), n. [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 &?; 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.

Re*tri"al (?), n. A secdond trial, experiment, or test; a second judicial trial, as of an accused person.

Re*trib"ute (?), v. t. [L. retributus, p. p. ofretribuere to retribute; pref re- + tribuere to bestow, assign, pay. See Tribute.] To pay back; to give in return, as payment, reward, or punishment; to requite; as, to retribute one for his kindness; to retribute just punishment to a criminal. [Obs. or R.] Locke.

Re*trib"u*ter (?), n. One who makes retribution.

Ret`ri*bu"tion (?), n. [L. retributio: cf. F. rétribution.] 1. The act of retributing; repayment.

In good offices and due retributions, we may not be pinching and niggardly.

Bp. Hall.

2. That which is given in repayment or compensation; return suitable to the merits or deserts of, as an action; commonly, condign punishment for evil or wrong.

All who have their reward on earth, . . . Naught seeking but the praise of men, here find Fit retribution, empty as their deeds.

Milton.

3. Specifically, reward and punishment, as distributed at the general judgment.

It is a strong argument for a state of retribution hereafter, that in this world virtuous persons are very often unfortunate, and vicious persons prosperous.

Addison.

Syn. -- Repayment; requital; recompense; payment; retaliation.

{ Re*trib"u*tive (?), Re*trib"u*to*ry }, a. [Cf. LL. retributorius worthy of retribution.] Of or pertaining to retribution; of the nature of retribution; involving retribution or repayment; as, retributive justice; retributory comforts.

Re*triev"a*ble (?), a. [From Retrieve.] That may be retrieved or recovered; admitting of retrieval. -- Re*triev"a*ble*ness, n. -- Re*triev"a*bly, adv.

Re*triev"al (?), n. The act retrieving.

Re*trieve" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retrieved (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Retrieving.] [OE. retreven, OF. retrover to find again, recover (il retroevee finds again), F. retrouver; pref. re- re- + OF. trover to find, F. trouver. See Trover.] 1. To find again; to recover; to regain; to restore from loss or injury; as, to retrieve one's character; to retrieve independence.