Re*tract" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retracted; p. pr. & vb. n. Retracting.] [F. r'etracter, L. retractare, retractatum, to handle again, reconsider, retract, fr. retrahere, retractum, to draw back. See Retreat.]
1.
To draw back; to draw up or shorten; as, the cat can retract its claws; to retract a muscle.
2.
Ti withdraw; to recall; to disavow; to recant; to take back; as, to retract an accusation or an assertion.
I would as freely have retracted this charge of idolatry as I ever made it.
Bp. Stillingfleet.
3.
To take back,, as a grant or favor previously bestowed; to revoke.
[Obs.]
Woodward.
Syn. -- To recal; withdraw; rescind; revoke; unsay; disavow; recant; abjure; disown.
© Webster 1913.
Re*tract", v. i.
1.
To draw back; to draw up; as, muscles retract after amputation.
2.
To take back what has been said; to withdraw a concession or a declaration.
She will, and she will not; she grants, denies,
Consents, retracts, advances, and then files.
Granville.
© Webster 1913.
Re*tract", n. Far.
The pricking of a horse's foot in nailing on a shoe.
© Webster 1913.
Re*tract" (?), n.
Retreat.
[Obs.]
Bacon.
© Webster 1913.