† deˈtrect, v. Obs.
[ad. L. dētrectā-re (also -tractāre) to decline, refuse, also to detract from, depreciate, freq. of dētrahĕre: see detract v.]
1. trans. To draw back from, decline, refuse; = detract v. 7. (With simple obj. or inf.)
| 1542 Henry VIII Declar. Scots D ij b, They detrected the doing of theyr duetie. 1543 Becon Policy of War Early Wks. (1843) 235 Whosoever detrecteth and refuseth to do for his country whatsoever lieth in his power. a 1619 M. Fotherby Atheom. ii. i. §8 (1622) 194 Hee detrected his going into Egypt, vpon a pretence, that he was not eloquent. 1629 H. Burton Babel no Bethel 75 We detrect not to hold communion with her. 1661 G. Rust Origen in Phenix (1721) I. 85 A Testimony of that great Power your Commands have over me, which you see I have not detrected. |
| absol. 1630 B. Jonson New Inn ii. vi, Doe not detrect: you know th' authority Is mine. |
2. To disparage, depreciate, speak evil of, blame;
= detract v. 3.
| 1563 Winȝet Four Scoir Thre Quest. §64 Wks. 1888 I. 116 Quhy detrect ȝe and rebukis ws Catholikis for the obseruatioun thairof. |