Definition of retrench

• v. t. - To cut off; to pare away.
• v. t. - To lessen; to abridge; to curtail; as, to retrench superfluities or expenses.
• v. t. - To confine; to limit; to restrict.
• v. t. - To furnish with a retrenchment; as, to retrench bastions.
• v. i. - To cause or suffer retrenchment; specifically, to cut down living expenses; as, it is more reputable to retrench than to live embarrassed.