ret

To moisten or soak (flax, for example) in order to soften and separate the fibers by partial rotting.

To become so moistened or soaked.

A Middle English contraction of redeth (modern readeth).

The process of retting; retting.

To impute; ascribe.

To expose, as the gathered stems of fibrous plants, to moisture, in order, by partial fermentation or rotting, to facilitate the abstraction of the fiber.

See aret.

To prepare for use, as flax, by separating the fibers from the woody part by process of soaking, macerating, and other treatment.

retired

To prepare (flax, hemp etc.) for further processing by soaking, which facilitates separation of fibers from the woody parts of the stem.