from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Loosen \Loos"en\ (l[=oo]s"'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Loosened}
(l[=oo]s"'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..
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]