[f. UNFOLD v.1] The action of the verb, in various senses.
1483. Cath. Angl., 121/1. An vn Foldynge, explicio, deuolucio.
1538. Elyot, Replicatio, a replycation or vnfoldynge of a thynge.
1599. Minsheu, Span. Gram., 80. The farther unfolding of this language.
1615. Hieron, Wks., I. 653. Death … is (as it were) the vnfolding of the net, or the breaking open of the prison doore.
1646. P. Bulkeley, Gospel Covt., I. 121. The time of unfolding [of the blessings] is not yet come.
1760–72. H. Brooke, Fool of Qual. (1809), IV. 45. The growth and unfolding of any common vegetable from … the seed.
1794. Mrs. Radcliffe, Myst. Udolpho, i. He watched the unfolding of her infant character with anxious fondness.
1843. Manning, Serm., I. 276. The springing or unfolding of a stately tree.
1873. Tristram, Moab, ii. 26. The sudden unfolding [to view] of the Dead Sea basin.
