Re-trăc'tion, n.
(-trăk'shun), n. [Fr. rétraction, Sp. retraccion, It. retrazione, Lat. retractio.]
Sense 1. The act of retracting or drawing back; as, the retraction of a sinew.
Sense 2. The act of withdrawing something advanced, claimed, or done; declaration of change of opinion; recantation.
Other men's insatiable desire of revenge hath beguiled church and state of the benefit of my retractions or concessions. K. Charles.
Sense 3. (Med.) (a.) The state or position of a part when drawn backward or toward the center of the body. (b.) A drawing up or shortening. Dunglison.