[f. as prec. + -ER1.]
1. One who loosens or makes loose.
1843. Browning, Blot in ’Scutcheon, II. Wks. 1896, I. 343/1. No loosener O’ the lattice.
1852. R. A. Coffin, trans. Liguori’s Glories of Mary (1868), 87. Loosener of my bonds … listen to my prayers.
2. Something that serves to loosen anything.
1630. Brathwait, Eng. Gentlem. (1641), 99. Immoderation is a loosener of the sinewes and a lessener of the strength.
1643. Caryl, Sacr. Covt., 5. It is a loosner of affection.
1684. trans. Bonet’s Merc. Compit., I. 9. It is not good to use looseners, as Apples, Prunes … frequently.
1784. T. Jefferson, Corr., Wks. 1859, I. 334. The most powerful looseners of the bands of private friendship.
1871. R. Ellis, trans. Catullus, ii. 13. The golden apple … Late-won loosener of the wary girdle.
