Retract /(rē̇*trākt")/

imp. & p. p. Retracted; p. pr. & vb. n. Retracting

1. To draw back; to draw up or shorten; as, the cat can retract its claws; to retract a muscle.
2. To 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.

3. To take back,, as a grant or favor previously bestowed; to revoke. [Obs.]

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.

1. The pricking of a horse's foot in nailing on a shoe. (Far.)