Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Retch \Retch\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Retched}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Retching}.] [AS. hr?can to clear the throat, hawk, fr. hraca
   throat; akin to G. rachen, and perhaps to E. rack neck.]
   To make an effort to vomit; to strain, as in vomiting.
   [Written also {reach}.]

         Beloved Julia, hear me still beseeching! (Here he grew
         inarticulate with retching.)             --Byron.