[f. as prec. + -AL. (Superseding WITHDRAWMENT, which took the place of the earlier WITHDRAUGHT and WITHDRAW sb.)]

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  1.  The act of taking back or away what has been held, occupied or enjoyed.

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1839.  Lane, Arab. Nts., I. 80. Thou deservest … the withdrawal of protection from thee.

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1860.  Tyndall, Glac., I. xxv. 189. The cold, resulting from the withdrawal of the sunbeams.

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  b.  The removal of money or securities from a bank or other place of deposit.

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1861.  Regulations P. O. Savings Banks, § 15. If any person shall fraudulently represent himself to be a Depositor, and by forwarding the proper notice of withdrawal,… shall obtain any sum of money.

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1884.  Manch. Exam., 28 May, 5/3. The bank was in difficulties through large withdrawals.

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  2.  The act of withdrawing a person or thing from a place or position, esp. the removal of troops by way of retreat.

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1838.  Meeson & Welby, Cases Exch., II. 36. It was no part of the agreement between the parties that the withdrawal of a juror should put an end to the suit at all events.

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1844.  H. H. Wilson, Brit. India, II. 480. He urged the withdrawal of the British officers, as their presence was no longer necessary.

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1877.  Huxley, Physiogr., 37. The artificial withdrawal of water to feed the canal.

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1892.  Hardy, Well-Beloved, I. v. Their application for admission led to the withdrawal of a bolt.

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  3.  The retractation of a statement, proposal, etc.

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1835.  T. Hook, G. Gurney, xiv. I thought perhaps the news … might have induced you to retract; and that you might have considered it a perfect justification of your withdrawal.

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1885.  Law Times, LXXVIII. 384/2. In consequence of his resignation, and notwithstanding his withdrawal of it.

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  4.  The act of retiring or retreating from a place or position.

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1824.  Miss Mitford, Village, Ser. I. 190. Perhaps, indeed, Joel’s rapid improvement might be one cause of William’s withdrawal.

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1836.  Act 6 & 7. Will. IV., c. 32 § 1. The Withdrawal of such Member [from a society].

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1848.  Dickens, Dombey, xxxvi. It was a sight to see her lord … hold the door open for the withdrawal of the ladies.

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1884.  Bryce, in Hansard’s Parl. Deb., 15 March, 1716. A vote which … would accelerate … the withdrawal of England from Egypt.

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1891.  Law Times Rep., LXV. 603/1. Desertion implies an active withdrawal from a cohabitation that exists.

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