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.Re*tract", n. (Far.) The
pricking of a horse's foot in nailing on a shoe.
Re*tract" (rē*trākt"), 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.] 1. To draw back; to draw up or
shorten; as, the cat can retract its claws; to retract a
muscle.
2. To 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 recall; withdraw; rescind; revoke; unsay;
disavow; recant; abjure; disown.