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De - Pt| English Dictionary: pruned | by the DICT Development Group |
| 1 result for pruned | |
| From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
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Prune \Prune\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Pruned}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Pruning}.] [OE. proine, probably fr. F. provigner to lay down vine stocks for propagation; hence, probably, the meaning, to cut away superfluous shoots. See {Provine}.] 1. To lop or cut off the superfluous parts, branches, or shoots of; to clear of useless material; to shape or smooth by trimming; to trim: as, to prune trees; to prune an essay. --Thackeray. Taking into consideration how they [laws] are to be pruned and reformed. --Bacon. Our delightful task To prune these growing plants, and tend these flowers. --Milton. 2. To cut off or cut out, as useless parts. Horace will our superfluous branches prune. --Waller. 3. To preen; to prepare; to dress. --Spenser. His royal bird Prunes the immortal wing and cloys his beak. --Shak. | |
