Talk:retrenchment

RFV

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What does this word actually mean in the military context? We have at least the following candidates:

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

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)

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)