- Pruned
- 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.
[1913 Webster]
Taking into consideration how they [laws] are to be pruned and reformed. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
Our delightful task To prune these growing plants, and tend these flowers. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
2. To cut off or cut out, as useless parts. [1913 Webster]
Horace will our superfluous branches prune. --Waller. [1913 Webster]
3. To preen; to prepare; to dress. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
His royal bird Prunes the immortal wing and cloys his beak. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.