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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