Retch \Retch\ (r[e^]ch or r[=e]ch; 277), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Retched (r[e^]cht); p. pr. & vb. n. Retching.]

[AS. hr[ae]can to clear the throat, hawk, fr. hraca throat; akin to G. rachen, and perhaps to E. rack neck.]

To make an effort to vomit; to strain, as in vomiting. [Written also reach.]

[1913 Webster]

Beloved Julia, hear me still beseeching! (Here he grew inarticulate with retching.) --Byron. [1913 Webster]

Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
 

Retch \Retch\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Retched; p. pr. & vb. n. Retching.]

[AS. hr?can to clear the throat, hawk, fr. hraca throat; akin to G. rachen, and perhaps to E. rack neck.]

To make an effort to vomit; to strain, as in vomiting. [Written also reach.]

Beloved Julia, hear me still beseeching! (Here he grew inarticulate with retching.) --Byron.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)