Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Retract \Re*tract"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Retracted}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Retracting}.] [F. r['e]tracter, 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.