Word Study
ret
CIDE DICTIONARY
ret, v. t.
See Aret. Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
ret, v. t. [Akin to rot.].
To prepare for use, as flax, by separating the fibers from the woody part by process of soaking, macerating, and other treatment. Ure. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
ret, v. (also rate) (retted, retting)
1 tr. soften (flax, hemp, etc.) by soaking or by exposure to moisture.
2 intr. (often as retted adj.) (of hay etc.) be spoilt by wet or rot.
1 tr. soften (flax, hemp, etc.) by soaking or by exposure to moisture.
2 intr. (often as retted adj.) (of hay etc.) be spoilt by wet or rot.
Etymology
ME, rel. to ROT
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