v. [UN-2 4 b.] trans. To free (a dog, etc.) from a muzzle; to remove the muzzle from. Also fig.
1600. Shaks., A. Y. L., I. ii. 74. Cel. How proue you that in the great heape of your knowledge? Ros. I marry, now unmuzzle your wisedome.
1639. T. de Gray, Expert Farrier, 280. Put a muzell upon his mouth … and the next morning unmusell him.
1645. Quarles, Sol. Recant., VI. 5. Why Did that corrected Twilight of his eye Vnmussle darknesse, and with morning light Redeeme the day from new baptized night?
1791. Burke, Lett. to Memb. Nat. Assemb., Wks. VI. 43. The hell-hounds of war, on all sides, will be uncoupled and unmuzzled.
1854. Emerson, Soc. Aims,, Wks. (Bohn), III. 181. Beware of unmuzzling a valetudinarian.
1891. Daily News, 22 Jan., 3/7. Her dog was muzzled. They unmuzzled him when they got home.
Hence Unmuzzling vbl. sb.
1760–72. H. Brooke, Fool of Qual. (1809), III. 37. A licentious unmuzzling from all restraint.
1898. Daily News, 2 Dec., 5/1. The unmuzzling of London dogs.
