prune

I

[[t]prun[/t]]

n.

1) pln a variety of plum that dries without spoiling

2) pln any plum when dried

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Etymology: 1300–50; late ME < MF < L prūna, pl. (taken as fem. sing.) of prūnum plum < Gk proû(m) non plum I II

prune

[[t]prun[/t]] v. pruned, prun•ing

1) to cut or lop superfluous or undesired twigs, branches, or roots from; trim

2) bot to cut or lop off (twigs, branches, or roots)

3) to rid or clear of (anything superfluous or undesirable)

4) to remove (anything considered superfluous or undesirable)

5) to remove or cut away superfluous or undesired parts

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Etymology: 1400–50; late ME prouynen < MF proognier to prune, var. of provigner, der. of provain scion < L propāginem, acc. of propāgō III

prune

[[t]prun[/t]] v. t. pruned, prun•ing

anb cv archaic to preen

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Etymology: 1350–1400; ME prunen, pruynen, proy(g) nen < OF poroign-, pres. s. of poroindre=por- (< L pro- I) +oindre to anoint (< L unguere); see preen