SG Heritage Dictionary

Retrenchment [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1828

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.

4. Numerous remains of Roman retrenchments, constructed to cover the country -

Retrenchment [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

1. The act or process of retrenching; as, the retrenchment of words in a writing.

2. 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.