v. [UN-2 3. Cf. Du. ontsperren, OHG. intsperran, -en (MHG. ent-, ensperren).] trans. To unbar (a door, etc.); to open.
c. 1200. Ormin, 12158. Cristess þohht wass sperrd swa wel … Þatt naness kinness sinnfull lusst Ne mihhte itt næfre unnsperrenn.
a. 1225. Ancr. R., 70. Heo schal habben lenue to openen [MS. B. unsperren] hire þurl enes oðer twies.
1393. Langl., P. Pl., C. XX. 89. The blood sprang doun by þe sper, and vnsperrede þe knyghtes eyen. Ibid., 272. A spirit … bit vnsperre þe ȝates.
a. 1542. Wyatt, in Tottel’s Misc. (Arb.), 225. Lyke as the birde within the cage enclosed, The dore vnsparred, her foe the hawke without.
1599. T. M[oufet], Silkwormes, 12. How feately then vnsparred she the doore.
1611. Cotgr., Desverouiller vn huis, to … vnsparre a doore.
1808. Scott, Marm., I. iv. Forty yeomen … The lofty palisade unsparr’d And let the drawbridge fall.
