Noah Webster
Loosen
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.