Retch (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Retched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Retching.] [AS. hrcan to clear the throat, hawk, fr. hraca throat; akin to G. rachen, and perhaps to E. rack neck.]
To make an effort to vomit; to strain, as in vomiting.
[Written also
reach.]
Beloved Julia, hear me still beseeching!
(Here he grew inarticulate with retching.)
Byron.
© Webster 1913.
Retch, v. t. & i. [See Reck.]
To care for; to heed; to reck.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
© Webster 1913.