Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. i.) To wrinkle, bend, or curl; to shrivel; hence, to contract into a less extent or compass; to gather together; to become compacted.

2. (v. i.) To withdraw or retire, as from danger; to decline action from fear; to recoil, as in fear, horror, or distress.

3. (v. i.) To express fear, horror, or pain by contracting the body, or part of it; to shudder; to quake.

4. (v. t.) To cause to contract or shrink; as, to shrink finnel by immersing it in boiling water.

5. (v. t.) To draw back; to withdraw.

6. (n.) The act shrinking; shrinkage; contraction; also, recoil; withdrawal.