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 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.