v. [UN-2 5. Cf. OE. onpennian, and UNPEND v.] trans. To let out of, release from, a pen or enclosure.
a. 1592. Greene, Jas. IV., IV. iii. The lamb is vnpent, the fox shal preuaile.
1766. Blackstone, Comm., II. 395. If one obstructs another’s antient windows,… fouls his water, or unpens or lets it out, &c.
1817. J. F. Pennie, Royal Minstr., II. 10. Young David from the fold His … playful lambs unpenn’d.
1820. Clare, Poems (ed. 3), 127. The shepherd … Unpens and frees the captive sheep.
fig. 1818. Keats, Endym., III. 2. There are … who unpen Their baaing vanities, to browse away [etc.].
