Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

(Retere,) Reteir, n. Also: -tear. [f. Retere,v. Cf. e.m.E. retyre (1540–54).] a. A retreat or withdrawal. b. The action of retreating. c. A signal for a retreat. —a. 1558-66 Knox I 113.
The place of the retear was so straite, that [etc.] 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 195.
The cause of the suddan reteir —b. 1590 Burel Pilgr. i 528.
As the … hair From ratchis maks reteir —c. 1596 Dalr. II 317/9.
Quhilk quhen Dessie vnderstud he blawes the reteir