GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Retract , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retracted; p. pr. & vb. n. Retracting.] [F. rétracter, L. retractare, retractatum, to handle again, reconsider, retract, fr. retrahere, retractum, to draw back. See Retreat.]
   To draw back; to draw up or shorten; as, the cat can retract its claws; to retract a muscle.
   1913 Webster
   To withdraw; to recall; to disavow; to recant; to take back; as, to retract an accusation or an assertion.
   1913 Webster
   I would as freely have retracted this charge of idolatry as I ever made it.
   Bp. Stillingfleet.
   
   1913 Webster
   To take back,, as a grant or favor previously bestowed; to revoke. [Obs.]
   Woodward.
   
   1913 Webster
   Syn. -- To recall; withdraw; rescind; revoke; unsay; disavow; recant; abjure; disown.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Retract, v. i.
   To draw back; to draw up; as, muscles retract after amputation.
   1913 Webster
   To take back what has been said; to withdraw a concession or a declaration.
   1913 Webster
   She will, and she will not; she grants, denies,
   Consents, retracts, advances, and then files.
   Granville.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

3.       
   Retract, n. (Far.) The pricking of a horse's foot in nailing on a shoe.
   1913 Webster