GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Loosen (lo͞osˈ'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Loosened (lo͞osˈ'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Loosening.] [See Loose, v. t.]
   1. To make loose; to free from tightness, tension, firmness, or fixedness; to make less dense or compact; as, “to loosen a string, or a knot; to loosen a rock in the earth.”
   
   [1913 Webster]
   
   After a year's rooting, then shaking doth the tree good by loosening of the earth. Bacon.
   
   [1913 Webster]
   
   
   2. To free from restraint; to set at liberty..
   
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   It loosens his hands, and assists his understanding. Dryden.
   
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   3. To remove costiveness from; to facilitate or increase the alvine discharges of.  Bacon.
   
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2.       
   loosened adj.
   1.  having constraints removed.
   
   Syn. -- freed.
   
   [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]
   
   
   2.  straightened out; untangled.
   
   Syn. -- disentangled, unsnarled.
   
   [WordNet 1.5]