| 释义 |
unˈfurl, v.
[un-2 3.]
1. trans. To open or spread out (a flag or sail) to the wind.
1641Milton Reform. ii. 69 Such poor drifts to..ingage the unattainted Honour of English Knighthood, to unfurle the streaming Red Crosse. 1667― P.L. i. 535 A Cherube tall: Who forthwith from the glittering Staff unfurld Th' Imperial Ensign. 1717Prior Alma i. 489 Antonius fled from Actium's Coast,..His Sails by Cupid's Hand unfurl'd. 1795in Naval Chron. III. 117 The royal standard was unfurled in the barge. 1836W. Irving Astoria I. 87 They saw the sails unfurled, and that it was getting under way. 1860Tyndall Glac. i. xvi. 105, I took the glorious banner thus unfurled as a sign of hope.
b. transf. and fig.
1678Poor Robin's True Char. Scold 4 When once her Flag of Defiance, the Tippet, is unfurl'd, she cares not a straw for Constable. 1711Addison Spect. No. 102 ⁋4 The next Motion is that of unfurling the Fan, in which are comprehended several little Flirts and Vibrations. 1796Mod. Gulliver 226, I once more unfurled my umbrella, and away we went. 1840Dickens Old C. Shop xvii, Codlin pitched the temple,..hastily unfurling the drapery and concealing Short therewith. 1884Harper's Mag. Dec. 117/1 He takes the fan out, and unfurls it.
2. intr. To open to the wind.
1813Byron Corsair i. xvi, As marks his eye..the sails unfurling fast. 1854Patmore Angel in Ho., Betrothal 119 As to the breeze a flag unfurls My spirit expanded.
Hence unˈfurled ppl. a., unˈfurling vbl. n.
1647N. Ward Simple Cobler 54, I am resolved to display my unfurled soule in your face. 1780Mirror No. 102, The art which the ladies..used in the unfurling of their fans. |