v.tr. 1 a (often foll. by down) trim (a tree etc.) by cutting away dead or overgrown branches etc. b (usu. foll. by off, away) lop (branches etc.) from a tree. 2 reduce (costs etc.) (must try to prune expenses). 3 a (often foll. by of) clear (a book etc.) of superfluities. b remove (superfluities). pruning-hook a long-handled hooked cutting tool used for pruning. pruner n.
[ ME prouyne f. OF pro(o)ignier ult. f. L rotundus ROUND ]