Meaning

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

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

• A peaceful, quiet place affording privacy or security.

• A peaceful, quiet place in which to urinate and defecate: an outhouse; a lavatory.

• 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.

• The move of a piece from a threatened position.

Meaning

• To withdraw from a position, go back.

• (of a glacier) To shrink back due to generally warmer temperatures.

• To slope back.

  "a retreating forehead"