[-ING1.] The action of LOOSEN v. in various senses.
1597. A. M., trans. Guillemeau’s Fr. Chirurg., 26 b/2. Without hurtinge of the gummes, and looseninge of the same.
1615. Hieron, Wks., I. 654. Thus is death a loosening to the children of God.
1626. Bacon, Sylva, § 435. The Loosening of the Earth, which comforteth any Tree.
1860. Tyndall, Glac., II. xix. 333. Ice gives evidence of a loosening of its crystalline texture.
1876. Miss Braddon, J. Haggard’s Dau., I. 35. A signal for the loosening of everyone else’s tongue.
1883. R. W. Dixon, Mano, III. v. 126. Like the tightening and the loosening of a cord.
