[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

prune \prune\, v. t. imp.  p. p. pruned; p. pr.  vb. n.
   pruning. oe. proine, probably fr. f. provigner to lay
   down vine stocks for propagation; hence, probably, the
   meaning, to cut away superfluous shoots. see provine.
   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. --thackeray.
      1913 webster

            taking into consideration how they laws are to be
            pruned and reformed.                  --bacon.
      1913 webster

            our delightful task
            to prune these growing plants, and tend these
            flowers.                              --milton.
      1913 webster

   2. to cut off or cut out, as useless parts.
      1913 webster

            horace will our superfluous branches prune.
                                                  --waller.
      1913 webster

   3. to preen; to prepare; to dress. --spenser.
      1913 webster

            his royal bird
            prunes the immortal wing and cloys his beak. --shak.
      1913 webster
see also:
pruned pruning provine 

[2] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

pruning \prun"ing\, n.
   1. the act of trimming, or removing what is superfluous.
      1913 webster

   2. falconry that which is cast off by bird in pruning her
      feathers; leavings. --beau.  fl.
      1913 webster

   pruning hook, or pruning knife, cutting instrument used
      in pruning trees, etc.

   pruning shears, shears for pruning trees, vines, etc.
      1913 webster
see also:
pruning hook pruning knife pruning shears 

[3] : WordNet (r) 2.0

pruning
     n 1: something that has been pruned off of a plant
     2: the act of trimming a plant

Pruning >> P Words
Pruning, definition of term: Pruning
pruning_pag1.html

Pruning Hook >> P Words
Pruning Hook, definition of term: Pruning Hook
pruning+hook_pag1.html