Re-trench'ment, n.
[Fr. retranchement, It. ri-trinci-eramento, Sp. retrincheramiento, atrincheramiento, atrincheramiento. See supra.]
Sense 1. The act of retrenching or of lopping off; the act of removing what is superfluous; as, the retrenchment of words or lines in a writing.
Sense 2. The act of curtailing, lessening, or abridging; diminution.
The retrenchment of my expenses will convince you that I mean to replace your fortune as far as I can. H. Walpole.
Sense 3. (Mil.) A work constructed within another, to prolong the defense of the latter when the enemy has gained possession of it, or to protect the defenders till they can retreat or obtain a capitulation.
“Numerous remains of Roman retrenchments, constructed to cover the country.” D’Anville.
Synonyms—Lessening; curtailment; diminution; abridgment.