n. 1. A marching back; retrocession. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Mil.) An evolution by which a body of troops change front or reverse the direction of march while retaining the same men in the front rank; also, a movement by which the rear rank becomes the front one, either with or without changing the right to the left. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. A change of measures; alteration of conduct. [ 1913 Webster ]
Such countermarches and retractions as we do not willingly impute to wisdom. T. Burnet. [ 1913 Webster ]