2. To go back, in or over (a previous course); to go over again in a reverse direction; as, to retrace one's steps; to retrace one's proceedings.
3. To trace over again, or renew the outline of, as a drawing; to draw again.
RETRACT Re*tract", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retracted; p. pr. & vb. n. Retracting.] Etym: [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. 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. [Obs.] Woodward.
Syn. — To recal; withdraw; rescind; revoke; unsay; disavow; recant; abjure; disown.
RETRACT
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.