I. rə̇ˈklām, rēˈ- verb
Etymology: Middle English reclamen, reclaimen, from Old French reclamer to appeal to, call back, from Latin reclamare to cry out against, call for, from re- + clamare to cry out, call — more at claim
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to call back (as a hawk to the wrist) : recall
2.
a. : to recall from wrong or improper conduct : amend the behavior or character of : reform
reclaimed him from a life of drunkenness
reclaim the wicked
b. : to make obedient : subdue , tame
my heart is wondrous light, since this same wayward girl is so reclaimed — Shakespeare
3.
a. : to rescue from an undesirable or unhealthy state : bring to a state of literacy, culture, or health
an effort to reclaim the illiterates who would otherwise be excellent material for the armed forces — American Library Association Bulletin
work done in reclaiming diseased and debilitated horses — Charles Murray
b. : to rescue from a wild or uncultivated state : make fit for cultivation or use
filled in valleys, diverted creeks and reclaimed swamps — G.R.Gilbert
the most arid area in the country reclaimed from the desert by irrigation — American Guide Series: California
4.
a. : to obtain from a waste product or by-product : recover
reclaim wool fibers from textile wastes
b. : to recover the useful material from
reclaim scraps
intransitive verb
1. : to cry out : object , protest
his opponents loudly reclaimed against his attempt to shut off debate
2. Scots law : to appeal from a judgment of the lord ordinary of the Court of Session to the Inner House
3. : to demand surrender of a person or thing belonging to one state and found to be irregularly under the control of another state or its citizens
Synonyms: see rescue
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, appeal, recall, from reclamer
1. : a reclaiming or state of being reclaimed
past hope of all reclaim — Ben Jonson
2. : something that is reclaimed ; especially : reclaimed rubber