Talk:retrenchment

RFV
What does this word actually mean in the military context? We have at least the following candidates: 2, 3, and 5 look like variations of one concept, whereas 1 and 4 stand each on their own ground. None, one, some or all of these? --Hekaheka (talk) 16:15, 26 May 2012 (UTC)
 * 1) Wiktionary: A defensive entrenchment consisting of a trench and parapet.
 * 2) Wikipedia: A work or series of works constructed in rear of existing defences in order to bar the further progress of the enemy should he succeed in breaching or storming these.
 * 3) Dictionary.com:  An interior work that cuts off a part of a fortification from the rest, and to which a garrison may retreat.
 * 4) Dictionary.com/World English Dictionary, The FreeDictionary and Collins: An extra interior fortification to reinforce outer walls.
 * 5) FreeDictionary again: An entrenchment consisting of an additional interior fortification to prolong the defense.
 * 6) Merriam Wbster online: no military definition

Also:-
 * 1) OED (online) An inner line of defence constructed within a fortification. Also: a line of defence used to maintain a position. Also fig.
 * 2) French Wiktionary (retranchement, translated) Any work done to fortify a position or to increase its defense. SemperBlotto (talk) 16:22, 26 May 2012 (UTC)
 * I have inserted the Websters 1913 definition which I call "dated". (Should it be obsolete or archaic?) It seems the same as the first half of the OED definition. I wonder whether The second half seems like a WW I-era extension to the concept.
 * A defensive work constructed within another, to prolong the defense of the position when the enemy has gained possession of the outer work; or to protect the defenders till they can retreat or obtain terms for a capitulation.
 * Perhaps it would be clearer to have separate senses for each military sense and test their attestation. DCDuring TALK 18:10, 26 May 2012 (UTC)


 * I've deleted the RFVed sense and kept the Webster's/WP/OED/Dictionary.com sense with some modification. - -sche (discuss) 01:37, 14 October 2012 (UTC)