The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Retch \Retch\ (r[e^]ch or r[=e]ch; 277), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
   Retched (r[e^]cht); p. pr. & vb. n. Retching.] [AS.
   hr[ae]can 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.]
   [1913 Webster]

         Beloved Julia, hear me still beseeching!
         (Here he grew inarticulate with retching.) --Byron.
   [1913 Webster]