† reˈtranch, v. rare.
[ad. F. retrancher: see retrench v.]
trans. To cut short, cut down.
| 1589 Puttenham Eng. Poesie ii. xi[i]. (Arb.) 118 This immeasurable ambition of the Spaniards, if her Maiestie..had not with her forces, prouidently stayed and retranched [etc.]. 1653 Holcroft Procopius, Goth. Wars iii. 91 At first Bessas and Conon..retranched their own allowances, and sold Corn to the richer sort at huge rates. |