Retrenchment

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act or process of retrenching; as, the retrenchment of words in a writing. The retrenchment of my expenses will convince you that Walpole.

2. A 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.

Synonyms: Lessening; curtailment; diminution; reduction; abridgment.