v. [UN-2 5. Cf. Du. ontschillen, -schellen.] trans. To extract from, to strip of, the shell. (Chiefly fig.)
1599. Nashe, Lenten Stuffe, D iij. Of him and none but him,… that euer Yarmoth vnshelled or ingendred.
1611. Cotgr., Challer,… to shale, or vnshell, Nuts, &c.
1642. Fuller, Holy & Prof. St., II. x. 90. Our Perkins brought the schools into the Pulpit, and unshelling their controversies out of their hard school-terms, made thereof … wholsome meat for his people.
1652. Benlowes, Theoph., VI. xvii. Thou, Love,… did’st unshell My Spirit (fledg’d with Grace) from that disorder’d cell.
1761. Murphy, Citizen, II. Sir! Turn out pray, turn out—you won’t—Then I’ll unshell you.
1819. Scott, Leg. Montrose, v. By this time he was unshelled, and stood before the fire.
1892. Sat. Rev., 17 Dec., 719/1. You have got but to unhusk and unshell it, and there it is.
Hence Unshelled ppl. a.1; Unshelling vbl. sb.
a. 1668. Lassels, Voy. Italy (1698), II. 277. Whose ingenious book gives light to many books by the unshelling of a world of ancient customs.
1799. Sheridan, Pizarro, IV. i. O’er her unshelled brood the murmuring ring-dove sits not more gently.
