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.