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retract

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.

Synonym: To recal, withdraw, rescind, revoke, unsay, disavow, recant, abjure, disown.

Origin: F. Retracter, L. Retractare, retractatum, to handle again, reconsider, retract, fr. Retrahere, retractum, to draw back. See Retreat.

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)

(Science: veterinary) The pricking of a horse's foot in nailing on a shoe.