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 ]

v. i. To cause or suffer retrenchment; specifically, to cut down living expenses; as, it is more reputable to retrench than to live embarrassed. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. retrenchment. ] 1. The act or process of retrenching; as, the retrenchment of words in a writing. [ 1913 Webster ]

The retrenchment of my expenses will convince you that &unr_; mean to replace your fortune as far as I can. Walpole. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Lessening; curtailment; diminution; reduction; abridgment. [ 1913 Webster ]