[ME. lēvi, f. lēf LEAF sb., with regular change of f into v.] intr. = LEAF v. 1. Also To be leaved out (U. S.): to have the leaves expanded.

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c. 1290.  S. Kenelm, 168, in S. Eng. Leg., 350. Þis maister nam þe ȝeorde and sette hire on þe grounde And heo bi-gan to leui þare in well uyte stounde.

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1450–80.  trans. Secreta Secret., 27. The humydite of the erthe … makith trees and herbes to leve and flowre.

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1715.  Petiver, in Phil. Trans., XXIX. 232. It leaves like our Corn Marygold.

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1789.  J. May, Jrnl. & Lett. (1873), 127. The apple-trees are now in blow; the oaks and chestnuts but just leaved out.

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1864.  Webster, Leave, to send out leaves;—often with out.

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1890.  T. H. Mann, in Century Mag., July, 448/1. The trees had not yet leaved enough to afford any shade.

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1895.  Pop. Sci. Monthly, March, 578. The poplars were leaved out.

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1895.  Mrs. Kath. T. Hinkson, Miracle Plays, I. 20. I … watch my lilies bud and leave.

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