arch. or Hist. [f. as prec.] A room to withdraw to; = DRAWING-ROOM1 1.
1591. Horsey, Trav. (Hakl. Soc.), 204. He was … had into a with-drawinge roem, where many of the lords wear.
1611. L. Barry, Ram Alley, V. i. Ile waite in the with-drawing roome, Vntill you call.
1661. Earl Orrery, St. Lett. (1742), 37. Whilst we were in the withdrawing room, making preparations to go into the house of lords.
1748. Richardson, Clarissa, III. xxxvi. 185. The apartments she has to let are … a withdrawing-room, two or three handsome bed-chambers.
1846. Mrs. A. Marsh, Father Darcy, xxxii. He sat by her in the large withdrawing room, where she was at work.
1885. Payn, Talk of Town, I. 110. It was William Henry’s habit to quietly withdraw and seek Margaret in the withdrawing-room.
