v. t. See Aret. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ Akin to rot. ] To prepare for use, as flax, by separating the fibers from the woody part by process of soaking, macerating, and other treatment. Ure. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Eccl.) A shelf behind the altar, for display of lights, vases of flowers, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. retaille piece cut off, shred, paring, or OF. retail, from retailler. See Retail, v. ] The sale of commodities in small quantities or parcels; -- opposed to wholesale; sometimes, the sale of commodities at second hand. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Retailed p. pr. & vb. n. Retailing. ] [ Cf. F. retailler to cut again; pref. re- re + tailler to cut. See Retail, n., Tailor, and cf. Detail. ] 1. To sell in small quantities, as by the single yard, pound, gallon, etc.; to sell directly to the consumer; as, to retail cloth or groceries. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To sell at second hand. [ Obs. or R. ] Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To distribute in small portions or at second hand; to tell again or to many (what has been told or done); to report; as, to retail slander. “To whom I will retail my conquest won.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

He is wit's peddler, and retails his wares
At wakes and wassails. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Done at retail; engaged in retailing commodities; as a retail trade; a retail grocer. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who retails anything; as, a retailer of merchandise; a retailer of gossip; -- used also of businesses, including large corporations; as, Sears, Roebuck is one the the country's largest retailers. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

n. The act of retailing. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To belong; to pertain. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

A somewhat languid relish, retaining to bitterness. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To keep; to continue; to remain. [ Obs. ] Donne. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Retained p. pr. & vb. n. Retaining. ] [ F. retainir, L. retinere; pref. re- re- + tenere to hold, keep. See Tenable, and cf. Rein of a bridle, Retention, Retinue. ] 1. To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose, part with, or dismiss; to restrain from departure, escape, or the like. “Thy shape invisible retain.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Be obedient, and retain
Unalterably firm his love entire. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor. [ 1913 Webster ]

A Benedictine convent has now retained the most learned father of their order to write in its defense. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To restrain; to prevent. [ Obs. ] Sir W. Temple. [ 1913 Webster ]

Retaining wall (Arch. & Engin.), a wall built to keep any movable backing, or a bank of sand or earth, in its place; -- called also retain wall. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To keep; hold; restrain. See Keep. [ 1913 Webster ]