Noun

(en noun)

The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.

* Shakespeare

In a retreat he outruns any lackey.

The act of reversing direction and receding from a forward position.

A peaceful, quiet place affording privacy or security.

* L'Estrange

He built his son a house of pleasure, and spared no cost to make a delicious retreat .

* Dryden

That pleasing shade they sought, a soft retreat / From sudden April showers, a shelter from the heat.

A period of retirement, seclusion, or solitude.

A period of meditation, prayer or study.

Withdrawal by military force from a dangerous position or from enemy attack.

A signal for a military withdrawal.

A bugle call or drumbeat signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset, as on a military base.

A military ceremony to lower the flag.

(chess) The move of a piece from a threatened position.

Noun

(en noun)

A person who learns from another, especially one who then teaches others.

An active follower or adherent of someone, or some philosophy etc.

* Holy Bible, Matthew 9:10 (King James Version)

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples .

* {{quote-book, year=1922, author=(Ben Travers)

, chapter=4, title= A Cuckoo in the Nest , passage=By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter disciples of righteousness, was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect.}}

(Ireland) Miserable-looking creature of a man.