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. After a year's rooting, then shaking doth the tree good by loosening of the earth. Bacon.
To free from restraint; to set at liberty.. It loosens his hands, and assists his understanding. Dryden.
To remove costiveness from; to facilitate or increase the alvine discharges of. Bacon.
To become loose; to become less tight, firm, or compact. S. Sharp.
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