pruned
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Prune \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. [1913 Webster]
Taking into consideration how they [laws] are to be pruned and reformed.— Bacon.[1913 Webster]
Our delightful task To prune these growing plants, and tend these flowers.— Milton.[1913 Webster]
2.To cut off or cut out, as useless parts. [1913 Webster]
Horace will our superfluous branches prune.— Waller.[1913 Webster]
3.To preen; to prepare; to dress. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
His royal bird Prunes the immortal wing and cloys his beak.— Shak.[1913 Webster]