unclipv.
/(ˌ)ʌnˈklɪp/, /(ˌ)ʌŋˈklɪp/, U.S. /ˌənˈklɪp/ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > separation > separation or detachment > loosening or unfastening > loosen, unfasten, or untie [verb (transitive)]
unbindc950
undoc950
unleeseOE
breaka1225
unfest?c1225
leesea1325
loosena1382
unloosea1382
loose1388
resolvea1398
unlace?c1400
unfastenc1440
unloosen?a1475
to let slip1526
unbrace?1526
diffibulatea1538
unframe1567
unclit1587
undight1590
unclip1598
unclenchc1600
unreeve1600
unlock1609
ungrapple1611
unquilt1611
abstringe1623
renode1623
unspan1648
unfast1684
disengage1780
undub1807
unclap1846
1598 J. Marston Scourge of Villanie i. Proem. sig. B5v Daphne, vnclip thine armes from my sad brow.
2. transitive. To release or detach by unfastening a clip or clips. Also occasionally intransitive.
ΚΠ
1874 Iron 17 Oct. 488/1 The engine-driver..unclips his drum, and the engine..runs away from its load.
1891 A. Blair Organic Anal. Potable Waters iv. 96 Unclip the rubber tubing..and proceed to boil the liquid in the retort.
1951 A. C. Clarke Sands of Mars ii. 17 He unclipped the retaining straps.
2004 T: N.Y. Times Style Mag. 29 Aug. 136/1 The flower on this Lanvin shoe unclips so you can wear it as a brooch. How cool is that?
2010 Sunday Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) 31 Oct. e7/3 She unclipped the seatbelt and got out, leaning against the car for support.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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