1555. Watreman, Fardle Facions, I. i. 27. Some fel into errours whereout they could neuer unsnarle themselues.
1633. P. Fletcher, Purple Isl., I. lvii. For ever had this Isle in that foul ditch … strai’d,… Had not the King … Unsnarl’d that chain.
a. 1699. J. Beaumont Psyche, III. cxc. How Shall I unsnarle my Promise, and contrive That … the Saint may live!
1879. P. Brookes, Influence of Jesus, iv. 160. Material fact and impalpable vision shoot through each other and cannot be unsnarled.
1893. Kate D. Wiggin, Cathedr. Courtship, 53. It is Salemina who always unsnarls the weekly bill.
intr. 1876. Mrs. Whitney, Sight & Ins., xxiii. Things do cool down. And snarls unsnarl just by putting quietly away.
Hence Unsnarling vbl. sb.
1640. Fuller, Joseph’s Coat, 189. Ones Excellency may consist in the unsnarling of a knowne controversie.
