Retract (r&euptack_;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.
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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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Retract, n. (Far.) The pricking of a horse's foot in nailing on a shoe.
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