Dictionary entry

Retail (3)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Re‐tail″ (rē̍‐tāl″), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Retailed (?);p. pr. & vb. n.Retailing.] [Cf. F. retailler to cut again; pref. re- re + tailler to cut. See Retail, n., Tailor, and cf. Detail.] 1. To sell in small quantities, as by the single yard, pound, gallon, etc.; to sell directly to the consumer; as, to retail cloth or groceries.

2. To sell at second hand. Pope.

3. To distribute in small portions or at second hand; to tell again or to many (what has been told or done); to report; as, to retail slander. “To whom I will retail my conquest won.” Shak.

He is wit's peddler, and retails his wares

At wakes and wassails. Shak.