Rec"ti*fy (-f?), v. t. [imp. &
p. p. Rectified (-f?d); p. pr. & vb.
n. Rectifying (-f?`?ng).] [F. rectifier, LL.
rectificare; L. rectus right + -ficare (in comp.)
to make. See Right, and -fy.] 1. To
make or set right; to correct from a wrong, erroneous, or false state;
to amend; as, to rectify errors, mistakes, or abuses; to
rectify the will, the judgment, opinions; to rectify
disorders.
I meant to rectify my conscience.
Shak.
This was an error of opinion which a conflicting
opinion would have rectified.
Burke.
2. (Chem.) To refine or purify by
repeated distillation or sublimation, by which the fine parts of a
substance are separated from the grosser; as, to rectify spirit
of wine.
3. (Com.) To produce ( as factitious
gin or brandy) by redistilling low wines or ardent spirits (whisky,
rum, etc.), flavoring substances, etc., being added.
To rectify a globe, to adjust it in order to
prepare for the solution of a proposed problem.
Syn. -- To amend; emend; correct; better; mend; reform;
redress; adjust; regulate; improve. See Amend.
