retiredadj.n.
/rᵻˈtʌɪəd/, U.S. /rəˈtaɪ(ə)rd/, /riˈtaɪ(ə)rd/ A. adj.† 5. Of a sinew: shrunken, contracted. Obsolete. rare.† 6.
1.
a. Of a way of life, an activity, a period of time, etc.: characterized by seclusion or withdrawal from society; private, quiet.
ΚΠ
1585 R. Parsons Christian Directorie i. i. vi. 195 Vertuous people would leaue the worlde, and betake them selues onlie to contemplation of heauenlie thinges, and excercise of a more holie and retired life.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) iii. v. 36 Since the exile of Posthumus, most retyr'd Hath her life bin. View more context for this quotation
1642 J. Denham Cooper's Hill 3 Oh happinesse of sweet retir'd content!
1698 G. Stanhope tr. Thomas à Kempis Christian's Pattern i. x. 19 It is our Duty..to fill up the empty Spaces of Life, with these holy and retired Exercises.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 93. ¶5 Employment for those Retired Hours in which we are altogether left to our selves.
1748 J. Hervey Medit. (ed. 2) II. 11 What a pleasing Awe is awakened by such a Reflection! How venerable it renders my retired Walk!
1820 J. Keats Eve of St. Agnes in Lamia & Other Poems 98 Sumptuous they stand In the retired quiet of the night.
1856 B. Brodie Psychol. Inq. (ed. 3) I. iv. 132 It is a great mistake made by some sentimental writers, when they speak of the advantages of a retired life.
1892–3 A. Conan Doyle Mem. Sherlock Holmes ii Miss Cushing..has led a most retired life, and has so few..correspondents that it is rare for her to receive anything through the post.
1915 C. Radziwill Mem. Forty Years iii. v. 268 Unfortunately, she used to lead a most retired existence, and received no one outside a very small circle of friends.
1962 M. Cranston in J. Cruickshank Novelist as Philosopher 180 An even greater fame drove them into a more retired way of life.
2001 O. Chadwick Early Reformation on Continent iv. 69 Many lukewarm monks lived a pleasant retired life with fresh air and reasonable diet and peace.
b. Of a person: withdrawn from society; deprived of the company of others; solitary. Also figurative. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > retirement or seclusion > [adjective] > retired or secluded (of person)
recluse?c1225
private1585
shadya1586
retired1590
umbraticala1637
sequestered1643
reclusive1749
umbratile1850
1590 J. Smythe in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Lit. Men (1843) (Camden) 61 I..do live almost continually retired in my howse.
1638 R. Brathwait Barnabees Journall (new ed.) iii. sig. X8 Here the retyred Tanner builds him bowrs.
1645 J. Milton Il Penseroso in Poems 39 Adde to these retired leasure, That in trim Gardens takes his pleasure.
1691 J. Hartcliffe Treat. Virtues 282 The retired and solitary Student.
1706 G. London & H. Wise (title) The retir'd gard'ner... Being a translation of Le Jardinier Solitaire.
1783 S. Johnson Let. 21 Oct. (1994) IV. 229 You are now retired, and have nothing to impede self-examination or self-improvement.
1813 W. Scott Rokeby iv. 183 Few months we lived retired, unknown, To all but one dear friend alone.
1885 R. Bridges Eros & Psyche xii. xix. 151 Stern Arês with his crisp hair helmeted, And grave retirèd Hestia.
1921 N. Amer. Rev. Sept. 368 The retired and solitary singer of his own song.
2. Of a place: secluded, quiet, private; not visited by many people; remote from observation or access.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > retirement or seclusion > secluded place or place of seclusion > [adjective]
secrec1374
blindc1386
privatea1513
secret?a1513
shadowy1555
close1571
retired1593
retrait1603
sequestrate1632
recessful1646
recluse1650
reserved1653
secessive1653
coy1670
sequestrated1726
slya1764
secluded1798
shy1841
retiracied1856
undisprivacied1870
madding1874
1593 Queen Elizabeth I tr. Boethius De Consolatione Philosophiæ in Queen Elizabeth's Englishings (1899) i. pr. iii. 6 My nurs I saw, in whose retired Romes in my Youthe I dwelt.
1621 R. Brathwait Natures Embassie 28 The retiredst angle or corner cannot giue vice a couer.
1672 W. Wycherley Love in Wood iii. i A small house, in an obscure, little, retired street.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 97 To lead them..to their retir'd Place in the Woods.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth I. 40 They are found..in the most retired and inward parts of the most firm and solid rocks.
1798 S. Lee Young Lady's Tale in H. Lee Canterbury Tales II. 203 [He] proposed her leaving Naples, for a more retired situation.
1860 W. H. Ainsworth Ovingdean Grange 301 A small cottage somewhat retired from the road.
1871 L. Stephen Playground of Europe ii. 91 Swiss enterprise has begun to penetrate these retired valleys.
1919 W. J. Tucker My Generation v. 69 The church was located on a retired street adjacent to the City Hall and the City Library.
1968 W. S. Soule Plains Indian Raiders xii. 111 The Indians were seeking a retired area as a camp site for their families.
2002 K. Ashenburg Mourner's Dance 93 Glorious terrain and a retired location that was still only one and a half miles from the center of town.
3. † b. Withdrawn or removed from notice; hidden. Obsolete.
a. Of thoughts, opinions, etc.: considered in seclusion or quiet; private. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adjective]
sundereOE
privyc1300
close1393
private1472
soleinc1475
secret1528
retired1595
implicit1610
cabinet1611
underhanda1616
closet1639
umbratile1640
closeteda1649
curtain1661
recluse1673
snug1710
pocket1804
entre nous1806
underground1820
sub rosa1824
esoterical1850
esoteric1876
1595 R. Southwell St. Peters Complaint 40 Retyred thoughts enioy their owne delights.
1635 T. Jackson Humiliation Sonne of God vii. 66 To doe that which in his retired and sober thoughts he did most dislike.
1670 Earl of Clarendon Contempl. & Reflexions upon Psalms in Coll. Tracts (1727) 627 Arguments..which..operate more in the publick agitation of them than in a private and retired speculation.
1688 W. Popple Let. 20 Oct. in W. Penn Coll. Wks. (1726) I. 132 A Subject that requires your retired Consideration.
1751 Abp. Stone Serm. 1 Kings xii. 15 A Compliance with innocent Customs, which in their retired Judgment they might not altogether approve.
1796 S. T. Coleridge Poems 137 From her infant days, With Wisdom, mother of retired thoughts, Her soul had dwelt.
1825 Q. Rev. June 223 Men of more sincere minds, either from true or false delicacy, will have little heart to expose their retired thoughts to the risk of mockery or neglect.
1854 W. Artman & L. V. Hall Beauties & Achievements of Blind 62 Do revelation and reason, death and judgment, do all your sober and retired thoughts preach you this one lesson, repentance?
1914 T. Wright Lives Brit. Hymn Writers III. iii. 39 In their letters the young me put aside all reserve.., and they communicated to each other in particular their most retired opinions on the subject of love.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > [adjective]
privya1398
palliate?a1425
beguiled1561
masked1567
covert1574
retired1596
remote1601
palliated1612
unsuspected1620
lapped1637
sopited1646
veiled1651
perdua1734
ulterior1735
screened1844
marzipanned1979
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adjective] > innermost
inmostc897
innerc900
privyc1300
intrinsic1490
interior1548
intrinsical1548
inward1548
secret1548
retired1596
in-pent1613
bosom1640
sneaking1748
interior1775
inside1888
1596 P. Lowe Easie Method to cure Spanish Sicknes ii. ii. sig. E2 So he dyed miserably, notwithstanding all remedies, as many doe, when the humor virulent is retired and hidden long time in the body.
1633 W. Prynne Histrio-mastix i. 338 If that thou couldest dive..into the retyred hidden secrets of the minde and soule of a man delighted with these Spectacles, thou shouldest verily there finde a stinking rottennesse of many accumulated Frogges.
1649 Bp. J. Taylor Great Exemplar Pref. ⁋48 I was lesse carefull to make it strict in retired senses.
1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 83 If we look into its retired Movements, and more secret and latent Springs.
1713 J. Addison Cato i. vi Disburthen all thy cares on me, And let me share thy most retired distress.
1737 D. Waterland Rev. Doctr. Eucharist 429 In its retired, mystical meaning, it figured out the Spiritual Covenant.
1773 J. Allen Assoc. against Established Church Indefensible 12 The most sublime and retired mysteries.
4. Of a person: that has left office, employment, or service permanently, now esp. on reaching pensionable age; that has stopped working.Now the usual sense.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > lack of work > [adjective] > relating to retirement > retired
retiredc1598
emerited1664
ret.1767
emeritus1794
ret'd1826
on the beach1937
society > authority > office > withdrawing from or vacating office > [adjective] > having vacated office
quondam1547
emerited1664
ret.1767
resigned1777
ret'd1826
outgone1841
retired1881
c1598 J. Ley in T. Hearne Coll. Curious Disc. Eminent Antiquaries (1720) xix. 83 For that they were old retired soldiers, they were not only free from service, and taxes, presented wheresoever they came, [etc.].
1790 W. Combe Devil upon Two Sticks II. ix. 158 He appears not in the garb of poverty, but as a gentleman and a retired officer, of small fortune.
1824 M. R. Mitford Our Village I. 3 The tidy, square, red cottage..belongs to a retired publican from a neighbouring town.
1851 London Gaz. No. 2122. 1673/1 The List of Commanders promoted to the Rank of Retired Captain.
1881 Times 11 Jan. 9/6 A retired Viceroy is naturally and by common consent an authority on Indian affairs.
1925 Amer. Mercury Dec. 395/1 The smaller denominational colleges began to employ ‘field agents’—usually a retired clergyman of some reputation.
1963 Times 24 May 9/5 A retired professional footballer and a boy aged 17 were engaged on some of the work.
1978 P. Harcourt Agents of Infl. 20 My name's Minton, Major Minton, RAMC, retired.
2007 Harper's Mag. Mar. 43/2 A small group of retired Western diplomats and intelligence officials.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > reduction in size or extent > [adjective] > relating to contraction > contracted
shrunkenc950
contractc1400
crined?a1513
shrunk1530
braced1534
contracted1603
retired1607
shrivelleda1631
constringed1655
dishrivelled1771
ingathered1853
1607 B. Jonson Volpone ii. ii. sig. E Crampes, Convulsions, Paralysies, Epilepsies, Tremor-cordia, retired-Nerues [i.e. sinews] . View more context for this quotation
a. That has receded or moved back. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > [adjective] > that has receded
retireda1616
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) v. iv. 53 We will..like a bated and retired Flood..Stoope lowe..And calmely run on. View more context for this quotation
1690 E. Warren Geologia ii. 37 The retired Sea, returning upon them in an impetuous Tide, swallowed up the King and his Host in an Instant.
1855 Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. Feb. 145 An assemblage of testaceans left on the sands by the retired flood.
1862 Intellectual Observer Oct. 151 The tiny basins in the rocks left full by the retired tide.
b. Of a facial feature: sloping backwards, receding. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > inclination > [adjective] > inclined from level or sloping > backwards
borrow1686
supine1697
retired1802
recedent1849
receding1866
1802 W. Paley Nat. Theol. xii. 238 The retired under jaw of a swine works in the ground, after the protruding snout.
1835 M. Roberts Sea-side Compan. vi. 51 The retired under jaw, and projecting snout, resembling a prong or ploughshare, which distinguish the swine, readily enable it to work into the ground.
7. = retiring adj. 1. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > [adjective] > retiring or withdrawn
soleinc1450
retiring1566
retireda1616
oyster-like1665
squab1689
shy of oneself1722
indrawn1751
introverted1850
background1896
retreative1898
introvert1916
introversive1923
withdrawn1932
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iv. iv. 62 You are retyred, As if you were a feasted one: and not The Hostesse of the meeting. View more context for this quotation
1628 J. Doughty Disc. Divine Myst. 11 For this cause wee finde the Fathers euermore cautelous and very retir'd.
1670 G. Havers tr. G. Leti Il Cardinalismo di Santa Chiesa ii. iii. 200 Whilst he was Cardinal he was retir'd, shun'd all conversation as much as was possible.
1686 J. Nalson tr. Demetrius in tr. Plutarch Lives V. 74 He now became very thoughtful, silent and retired.
1780 E. Burke Speech Oeconomical Reformation 83 The judges are, or ought to be, of a reserved and retired character.
1796 F. Burney Camilla I. 301 How delicate, how elegant, thought she, is this retired behaviour!
1813 J. Mackintosh Let. 3 Apr. in R. J. Mackintosh Mem. Life James Mackintosh (1835) II. iv. 256 Lord Grenville..has the cold manners and retired character and habits of his family.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth x, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. I. 257 You have censured me in your kindness for being too gentle, too retired.
1876 F. K. Robinson Gloss. Words Whitby Quietsome, retired; silent.
1945 Jrnl. of Hellenic Stud. 65 42 Wrapped in his mantle, wreathed, silent and retired, he is the ideal figure who breathes in the ethereal world of fancy.
B. n.
1. Usually with the. In early use: †people who have withdrawn from society regarded as a class (obsolete). Now: people who have retired permanently, esp. from employment, regarded as a class.
ΚΠ
1653 Bp. J. Taylor Ενιαυτος: Course of Serm. Ep. Ded. sig. A 3v The faith of Martyrs, and the hardinesse of Confessors, and the austerity of the Retired.
1728 P. Des Maizeaux tr. C. de Saint-Évremond True Use of Life iii, in Wks. III. (ed. 2) 218 Those that are always in the hurry of business, will they not wish to enjoy the quiet of the Retired?
1750 J. Burton Attempt towards Eulogium Conyers Middleton 12 It is pleaded, that the Intercessions of the Retired, are particularly available with Heaven.
1830 W. Newnham Mem. Late Mrs. Newnham 2 That the young may be encouraged in the pursuit after holiness; that the feeble may he strengthened; that the retired may be stimulated to greater activity.
1862 New Englander (New Haven, Connecticut) Oct. 653 Credit..makes the livelihood of the retired, the aged, and the indolent.
1932 W. Faulkner Light in August xi. 232 His coat—the frockcoat of Sunday or the wealthy or the retired—was open now.
1967 Economist 14 Oct. 134/3 Guernsey, with the same sort of tax structure but fewer tourists, fewer rich retired.
2002 C. Phillipson Transitions from Work to Retirement 13/1 Retirement has become much more attractive because the retired are no longer dependent on family and friends for support.
2. A retired person, a retiree; a pensioner. Usually in plural.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > worker > one who does not work > [noun] > one who retires or is retired
decedenta1662
retirer1730
retired1923
retiree1935
1923 U. L. Silberrad Lett. Jean Armiter v. 126 I don't know what the other men were; retireds, I should think.
1937 Manch. Guardian 10 Sept. 8/6 There are many ‘retireds’ and other country or seaside dwellers who would be glad of a vacation in town.
1963 Jrnl. Insurance 30 502/2 It is quite possible that firms with small numbers of employees will decide to procure protection for retireds from over-65 plans.
1990 S. S. Tepper Raising Stones i. v. 142 Some of the older folks are fixing dinner at the brotherhouse for us. We've got a handful of retireds now.
2006 Atlanta Jrnl.-Constit. (Nexis) 17 Feb. (Business section) 1 f Soon-to-be retireds are looking to preserve the nest eggs they've built up.
Compounds
C1. Compounds of the adjective.
retired flank n. [after French flanc retiré (1689 in the passage translated in quot. 1691)] Fortification (now historical) a flank (flank n.1 7) built behind the outer walls of a bastion.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > earthwork or rampart > [noun] > bastion > other works connected with bastions
redoubta1608
retired flank1691
hollow tower1706
1691 A. Swall tr. S. Le P. de Vauban New Method Fortification i. iv. 9 The Cannon conceal'd in the retired Flanks is usually charg'd with such Cartouches to make the more Havock.
1771 Encycl. Brit. II. 618/2 The orillons are very useful in covering the retired flanks, which cannot be seen but directly in the front.
1858 W. Greener Gunnery in 1858 67 Their principal use is on board ship; but they are sometimes used in casemates, or retired flanks of fortresses.
1918 E. S. Farrow Dict. Mil. Terms 423 Orillon, a semicircular projection made at the shoulder of a bastion for the purpose of covering the retired flank.
2000 M. M. Elbl in J. D. Tracy City Walls xii. 382 The batteries in the retired flanks were protected by orillions.
C2. Compounds of the noun.
retired allowance n. a retirement pension; esp. one provided by the state to retired public servants and military personnel.Common in the 19th cent.
ΚΠ
1811 Act 51 Geo. III c. 55 The granting and paying Allowances or Compensations in the nature of Superannuation or retired Allowance, or Reward to Persons in respect to their having held any Public Office or Employment or been engaged in any Public Service.
1831 Examiner 23 Jan. 54/1 [He] was permitted to retain his office till last year, when he was put upon a retired allowance of £272. 10s.
1904 Hansard's Parl. Deb. 4th Ser. 129 559/1 Dated 12th August, 1903, granting a retired allowance to Theophilus Evans,inspector of postmen and telegraph messengers.
1993 Irish Times (Nexis) 7 Sept. 11 The Statistical Abstract for 1992 points out some of the extra income pensioners may receive. For example, more than £70 million goes on superannuation and retired allowances.
retired list n. Military a list of retired military personnel; (originally) spec. a list of officers who have retired from army or naval service on reduced pay, sometimes with an honorary promotion (now historical); frequently on the retired list.Those on the retired list can be treated as part of a reserve to be called up again in times of emergency.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military organization > [noun] > other lists
roster1727
sick-list1748
size-roll1757
army list1763
retired list1797
succession1805
blacklist1825
active list1827
1797 London Gaz. 3 June 511/2 Brevet Major Ebenezer Vavasour,..to be Captain of an Independent Company of Invalids at Jersey, vice Robertson, who is placed on the retired List.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. Retired list, a list on the marine establishment upon which superannuated officers are placed.
1851 London Gaz. No. 2122. 1673/1 The Retired List then to be diminished by only retiring one in two vacancies.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 202/1 Any officer on the retired list may be ordered by the secretary to such duty as he may be able to perform.
1978 A. Melville-Ross Blindfold v. 42 Eventually placed on the Retired List at his own request.
2001 A. Palazzo Austral. Army vii. 278 The ARA reserves consisted of the Regular Army Reserve and the retired list.
retired pay n. a retirement pension; esp. one paid by the state to retired military personnel.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > grants and allowances > [noun] > payment in consideration of past service
pension1529
superannuationa1704
retirement pension1832
pension money1854
retired pay1867
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. 570 Retired Pay, a graduated pension for retired officers.
1930 Amer. Jrnl. Nursing 30 1190/2 Because of twenty years' service she will receive a retired pay as long as she lives.
1967 Rev. Econ. & Statistics 49 612/2 (table) Retired pay and other transfer payments.
2001 Jrnl. Labor Econ. 19 556 Retired pay serves to both retain workers and motivate them to seek the upper levels in the [military] organization.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2010; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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adj.n.1585