from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Retract \Re*tract"\ (r[-e]*tr[=a]kt"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Retracted}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Retracting}.] [F. r['e]tracter,
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.
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2. To withdraw; to recall; to disavow; to recant; to take
back; as, to retract an accusation or an assertion.
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I would as freely have retracted this charge of
idolatry as I ever made it. --Bp.
Stillingfleet.
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3. To take back,, as a grant or favor previously bestowed; to
revoke. [Obs.] --Woodward.
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Syn: To recall; withdraw; rescind; revoke; unsay; disavow;
recant; abjure; disown.
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