From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Prune \Prune\, verb (used with an object) [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.
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
1. The act of trimming, or removing what is superfluous.
2. (Falconry) That which is cast off by bird in pruning her feathers; leavings. --Beau. & Fl.
{Pruning hook}, or {Pruning knife}, cutting instrument used in pruning trees, etc.
{Pruning shears}, shears for pruning trees, vines, etc.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
noun
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