Having left one's job and ceased to work, typically upon reaching the age when one becomes eligible for a pension. No longer actively engaged in a particular profession or activity.
From French 'retirer' meaning 'to withdraw, draw back,' from 're-' (back) plus 'tirer' (to draw). Originally meant to retreat or withdraw (16th century), later applied to withdrawing from active work or military service (17th century).
The concept of retirement is remarkably modern - before the 20th century, most people worked until they physically couldn't anymore. Otto von Bismarck's introduction of the world's first state pension in 1889 set the retirement age at 70, when life expectancy was only 45!
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