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.
Thy exuberant parts retrench.
Denham.
2.
To lessen; to abridge; to curtail; as, to retrench superfluities or expenses.
But this thy glory shall be soon retrenched.
Milton.
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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.