·vt ·see Aret.
II. Ret ·vt To prepare for use, as flax, by separating the fibers from the woody part by process of soaking, macerating, and other treatment.
·vt To ret, or rot, in water, as flax; to water-rot. ...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
To soak in water, as in seasoning timber, hemp, &c. ...
The Sailor's Word-Book