Prune , n. [F. prune, from L. prunum a plum. See
Plum.]
A plum; esp., a dried plum, used in cookery; as, French or
Turkish prunes; California
prunes.
German prune (Bot.), a large dark
purple plum, of oval shape, often one-sided. It
is much used for preserving, either dried or in sirup. -- Prune tree. (Bot.) (a) A tree of the genus Prunus (P. domestica), which produces
prunes. (b) The West Indian tree, Prunus occidentalis. -- South African prune (Bot.), the edible fruit of a sapindaceous tree
(Pappea Capensis).
Prune , v. i. To dress; to prink; - used humorously or in contempt. Dryden.
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.
Taking into consideration how they [laws] are to be pruned and reformed.
Bacon. Our delightful task
To prune these growing plants,
and tend these flowers.
Milton.
2. To cut
off or cut out, as useless parts.
Horace will our superfluous branches prune.
Waller. 3. To preen; to prepare; to dress. Spenser.
His royal bird
Prunes the immortal wing and cloys his beak.
Shak.
Hear it pronounced