[-ING2.] That loosens, in various senses of the vb.

1

1665.  Hooke, Microgr., 13. The strange loosening nature of a violent jarring motion.

2

1694.  Salmon, Bate’s Dispens. (1699), 529/1. Laxative or Loosening Tartar.

3

1758.  J. S., Le Dran’s Observ. Surg. (1771), Dict. Cc ij. Laxative, or Loosening Medicines.

4

1801.  Southey, Thalaba, IX. xlii. Thalaba Watches her snowy fingers … Unwind the loosening chain.

5

1886.  C. Scott, Sheep-Farming, 15. They are fed upon roots … which exert a loosening effect on the teeth.

6