v. [UN-2 5.]
1. trans. To dislodge (a fox) from its hole; to start. Also in fig. context, and absol.
1576. Turberv., Venerie, 100. An Hart or a Bucke is flayed, an Hare started, and a Fox vnkennelled.
1598. Shaks., Merry W., III. iii. 172. Ascend my Chambers : Ile warrant weele vnkennell the Fox.
1632. B. Jonson, Magn. Lady, I. i. Your fox there, Unkennelld with a choleric, ghastly aspect, Would run their fears to any hole of shelter.
1679. C. Nesse, Antichrist, 105. The great fox that hath so long spoild the vines of Christs vineyard shall be unkenneld.
1703. (title) The Fox with his Fire-Brand unkennelld and Insnard.
1753. Foote, Eng. in Paris, I. i. Did I tell you what a Chace she carryd me last Christmas Eve? We unkenneld at .
1825. Eng. Life, I. 216. We unkennelled Reynard capitally.
1852. Miss Yonge, Cameos, I. xxvii. 221. Vowing he would unkennel the young fox, John sent his troops into Scotland.
b. intr. To come out of a hole or lair.
c. 1760. in T. C. Croker, Pop Songs Irel. (1839), 223. Ten minutes past nine was the time o the day, When Reynard unkennelled.
c. 1820. S. Rogers, Italy, Banditti, 59. He comes slowly forth, Unkennelling.
2. fig. To force or drive out from a place or position; to dislodge; to bring to light.
1612. Webster, White Devil, V. i. Ile unkennell one example more for thee.
1630. J. Taylor (Water P.), Jack a Lent, Wks. (1630), 116/2. The wet Fishmongers vnkennell the salt Eeles from their brinie Ambuscadoes.
1670. Cotton, Espernon, I. IV. 149. Hunting, and every where unkennelling the Savoyards, who had possessd themselves of most of the best Cities of Provence.
1743. Young, Nt. Th., V. 969. A precious pack of votaries Unkennelld from the prisons.
1749. Fielding, Tom Jones, XV. v. Where is she? Ill unkennel her this instant. Shew me her chamber.
1809. Southey, Lett. (1856), II. 131. I am in want of the Annual Letters from Paraguay; by that time, if they are in England, I may hope to unkennel them.
1818. Moore, Fudge Fam. Paris, VI. 25. Lucky the dog that first unkennels Traitors and Luddites now-a-days.
1839. Times, 10 June. It is their interest to unkennel this knavery.
refl. 1602. Shaks., Ham., III. ii. 86. If his occulted guilt Do not it selfe vnkennell in one speech, It is a damned Ghost that we haue seene.
3. To let (hounds) out of a kennel. Also fig. and in fig. context.
1607. Dekker, Wh. Babylon, C 4. Shee shall bee torne, Euen ioynt from ioynt: to haue her baited wel, wee will vnkennell hell.
1628. Wither, Brit. Rememb., Pref. 157. I can unkennell such an eager packe Of deep-mouthd Hounds.
1840. Keightley, Hist. Roman Empire, I. iii. 63. The baleful pack of informers was unkenneled, and their victims were hunted to death.
1861. Dixon, Pers. Hist. Bacon, vi. § 1. Blount unkennels a pack of needy ruffians eager for any service.
Hence Unkennelled ppl. a.1; Unkennelling vbl. sb.
1589. Warner, Alb. Eng., VI. xxxiii. 144. Like *vnkenneld Cerberus the crooked Tyrant swore.
a. 1653. G. Daniel, Idyll., Landskip, 7. Vnkennelld Fury (deep-mouthd) rings Liberty lodgd; and Chasd it quite away.
1687. Dryden, Hind & P., I. 152. Thou first Apostate to Divinity, Unkenneld range in thy Polonian Plains.
1700. S. Parker, Six Philos. Ess., 48. The poor unkennelld Fryars are ready to bear me out in my Assertion.
1600. J. B. (title), A Toile for Two-legged Foxes, wherein their noisome properties, their hunting and *vnkenelling, is liuelie discouered.
1602. 2nd Pt. Return Parnass., II. v. 829. What sir, do you meane at the vnkennelling, vntapezing, or earthing of the Fox?