- retire (v.)
- 1530s, of armies, "to retreat," from Middle French retirer "to withdraw (something)," from re- "back" (see re-) + Old French tirer "to draw" (see tirade). Meaning "to withdraw to some place for the sake of seclusion" is recorded from 1530s; sense of "leave an occupation" first attested 1640s (implied in retirement). Meaning "to leave company and go to bed" is from 1660s. Baseball sense of "to put out" is recorded from 1874. Related: Retired; retiring.