v., ret·ted, ret·ting, rets. v.tr.
To moisten or soak (flax, for example) in order to soften and separate the fibers by partial rotting.
v.intr.
To become so moistened or soaked.
[Middle English reten, probably from Middle Dutch reeten.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
