Dictionary entry

Loose (3)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Loose (lo͞os), v. n. [imp. & p. p.Loosed (lo͞ost); p. pr. & vb. n.Loosing.] [From Loose, a.] 1. To untie or unbind; to free from any fastening; to remove the shackles or fastenings of; to set free; to relieve.

Canst thou... loose the bands of Orion? Job. xxxviii. 31.

Ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her; loose them, and bring them unto me. Matt. xxi. 2.

2. To release from anything obligatory or burdensome; to disengage; hence, to absolve; to remit.

Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. 1 Cor. vii. 27.

Whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matt. xvi. 19.

3. To relax; to loosen; to make less strict.

The joints of his loins were loosed. Dan. v. 6.

4. To solve; to interpret. Spenser.