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Webster 1913 Edition
Retraction
Re-trac′tion
(rē̍-trāk′shŭn)
, Noun.
[Cf. F.
rétraction
, L. retractio
a drawing back, hesitation.] 1.
The act of retracting, or drawing back; the state of being retracted;
as, the
. retraction
of a cat’s claws2.
The act of withdrawing something advanced, stated, claimed, or done; declaration of change of opinion; recantation.
Other men's insatiable desire of revenge hath wholly beguiled both church and state of the benefit of all my either
retractions
or concessions. Eikon Basilike.
3.
(Physiol.)
(a)
The act of retracting or shortening;
as, the
. retraction
of a severed muscle; the retraction
of a sinew(b)
The state or condition of a part when drawn back, or towards the center of the body.
Webster 1828 Edition
Retraction
RETRAC'TION
,Noun.
1.
The act of withdrawing something advanced, or changing something done.2.
Recantation; disavowal of the truth of what has been said; declaration of change of opinion.3.
Act of withdrawing a claim.Other men's insatiable desire of revenge, hath beguiled church and state of the benefit of my retractions or concessions.