v. Obs. rare–1. [ad. F. explique-r to explain, ad. L. explicāre: see EXPLICATE.] trans. To unfold in words; to narrate at length.
1491. Caxton, Vitas Patr. (W. de W., 1495), I. Prol. 1 a/1. The feruente charytee of the freres … haue ofte tymes requyred vs to … explyke the lyues of holy Heremytes.
