Re*cruit" (r?*kr?t"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Recruited; p. pr. & vb. n. Recruiting.] [F. recruter, corrupted (under influence of recrue recruiting, recruit, from recrotre, p.p. recr, to grow again) from an older recluter, properly, to patch, to mend (a garment); pref. re- + OF. clut piece, piece of cloth; cf. Icel. klt kerchief, E. clout.]
1.
To repair by fresh supplies, as anything wasted; to remedy lack or deficiency in; as, food recruits the flesh; fresh air and exercise recruit the spirits.
Her cheeks glow the brighter, recruiting their color.
Glanvill.
2.
Hence, to restore the wasted vigor of; to renew in strength or health; to reinvigorate.
3.
To supply with new men, as an army; to fill up or make up by enlistment; as, he recruited two regiments; the army was recruited for a campaign; also, to muster; to enlist; as, he recruited fifty men.
M. Arnold.
© Webster 1913.
Re*cruit", v. i.
1.
To gain new supplies of anything wasted; to gain health, flesh, spirits, or the like; to recuperate; as, lean cattle recruit in fresh pastures.
2.
To gain new supplies of men for military or other service; to raise or enlist new soldiers; to enlist troops.
© Webster 1913.
Re*cruit", n.
1.
A supply of anything wasted or exhausted; a reenforcement.
The state is to have recruits to its strength, and remedies to its distempers.
Burke.
2.
Specifically, a man enlisted for service in the army; a newly enlisted soldier.
© Webster 1913.