Prune v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pruned p. pr. & vb. n. Pruning.]
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.
Taking into consideration how they [laws] are to be pruned and reformed. --Bacon.
Our delightful task
To prune these growing plants, and tend these flowers. --Milton.
2. To cut off or cut out, as useless parts.
Horace will our superfluous branches prune. --Waller.
3. To preen; to prepare; to dress.
His royal bird
Prunes the immortal wing and cloys his beak. --Shak.
pruned
adj : (of plants or trees) shaped by having superfluous branches
or shoots trimmed back or cut off; "abundant fruit from
properly pruned vines and fruit trees"