In the context of Austen’s “Persuasion” what is entrenchment?

Question by Melissa D: In the context of Austen’s “Persuasion” what is entrenchment?
I know it has to do with economic hardships and can venture a guess about it. But what specifically would it have entailed for the Elliots?

Best answer:

Answer by ck1
The word is truly “retrench” which signifies to “tighten one’s belt use sources very carefully” or “make a reduction.”

For the Eliots, this meant to stop renovating their home, quit buying themselves expensive products, quit going to London every year which is some thing Sir Walter and Miss (Elizabeth) Eliot did (and it was an pricey trip), cease going on other (unnecessary) journeys, let some of the servants go, cease purchasing new horses, stop spending and spending. For the Eliots to truly retrench, they would also have had to quit being fitted for and acquiring the newest fashions and quit setting an extravagant table (in other words, economize exactly where meals is concerned – forgoing some of the quite expensive delicacies).

They would have to cease living such a luxurious life, getting anything and every thing they needed. As it was, they had been purchasing luxuries they didn’t want but not paying for them (so they were in debt) simply because they had been living beyond their indicates.

I hope this aids.

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