retrace, v.1
(rɪˈtreɪs)
[ad. F. retracer: see re- and trace v.]
1. trans. To trace back to an origin or source; to track through preceding stages. Also refl.
| 1697 Dryden æneid vii. 520 Then if the Line of Turnus you retrace; He springs from Inachus of Argive Race. 1801 A. Hamilton Wks. (1886) VII. 219 Retracing our financial system to its commencement. 1805 Foster Ess. i. vii. 87, I am supposing a man to retrace himself through his past life. 1841 D'Israeli Amen. Lit. (1859) II. 16 The orthography of others..was as..eruditely whimsical..in the attempt to retrace the etymology, or to modify exotic words to a native origin. |
2. a. To trace again with the eyes; to look over again with care or close attention.
| 1726 Pope Odyss. xxiv. 270 The chief divine Gaz'd o'er his sire, retracing ev'ry line. 1807 J. Barlow Columb. i. 245 Retrace the banks yon rushing waters lave. 1823 De Quincey Lett. Educ. i. (1860) 6 The same book left in your possession, and open at any hour, to be consulted, retraced, collated, and in the fullest sense studied. |
b. To trace again in memory; to recall.
| 1748 Thomson Cast. Indol. i. xlviii, What transport, to retrace our boyish plays. 1784 Cowper Task iv. 183 While we retrace with mem'ry's pointing wand..The dangers we have 'scap'd. 1809 Malkin Gil Blas ix. vi, I should be puzzled to retrace a single sentiment. 1871 O. W. Holmes Wind-Clouds & Star-Drifts iv, Let me retrace the record of the years That made me what I am. |
3. To go back upon (one's steps, way, etc.).
| 1794 Mrs. Radcliffe Myst. Udolpho vi, Michael was retracing his way with alacrity. 1814 Cary Dante, Inf. i. 33 With purpose to retrace my steps, I turn'd. 1844 H. H. Wilson Brit. India II. 293 The nature of the country precluding a forward movement, he retraced his march. 1872 Raymond Statist. Mines & Mining 260 One or two prospecting parties have also ventured into this country, but were compelled soon to retrace their steps. |
b. In figurative context.
| 1839 Keightley Hist. Eng. II. 33 If Henry did not retrace his steps. 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. viii. II. 368 The ministers were appalled. Even Jeffreys would gladly have retraced his steps. 1875 Stubbs Const. Hist. II. xv. 296 When he had taken the step he did not retrace it. |
Hence reˈtracing ppl. a.
| 1822 T. Chalmers Wks. XVI. 186 The retracing movement..is imitable in other parishes. 1848 J. Ritchie in Mem. G. J. Mackenzie 52 He preaches to you this day..in your retracing memory. |