decamping

1 definition found

decamping - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Decamp \De*camp"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Decamped (?; 215); p.
     pr. & vb. n. Decamping.] [F. d['e]camper; pref. d['e]- (L.
     dis) + camp camp. See Camp.]
     1. To break up a camp; to move away from a camping ground,
        usually by night or secretly. --Macaulay.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Hence, to depart suddenly; to run away; -- generally used
        disparagingly.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The fathers were ordered to decamp, and the house
              was once again converted into a tavern. --Goldsmith.
        [1913 Webster]