Verb

1. To prepare (flax etc) for use, by separating the fibers from the woody part by process of soaking, macerating, and other treatment.
   • 2006, Thomas Pynchon, Against the Day, Vintage 2007, p. 621:

     the lowland nearly silent except for water-thrushes, the harvested fields, the smell of hops being dried in kilns, flax pulled up and piled in sheaves, in local practice not to be retted till the spring

Etymology

Adjective

1. straight
2. right, proper
3. rightful
4. plain (in knitting)

Noun

1. right, justice, law
2. court, courtroom, lawcourt
3. dish, course
4. right side (e.g. of a fabric)