LOOS'EN, verb transitive loos'n. [from loose.] 1. To free from tightness, tension, firmness or fixedness; as, to loosen a string when tied, or a knot; to loosen a joint; to loosen a rock in the earth. 2. To render less dense or compact; as, to loosen the earth about the roots of a tree. 3. To free from restraint. It loosens his hands and assists his understanding. 4. To remove costiveness from; to facilitate or increase alvine discharges. Fear looseneth the belly. LOOS'EN, verb intransitive To become loose; to become less tight, firm or compact.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI