01 n. The act of retracting, or drawing back; the state of being retracted; as, the retraction of a cat's claws.
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1.
The act of retracting, or drawing back; the state of being retracted; as, the retraction of a cat's claws.
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2.
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.
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3.
The act of retracting or shortening; as, the retraction of a severed muscle; the retraction of a sinew.(Physiol.)