unleadv.
/(ˌ)ʌnˈlɛd/, U.S. /ˌənˈlɛd/ Now rare.
transitive. To remove lead from; esp. to strip the lead from (a building, a roof, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > covering > uncovering > uncover or remove covering from [verb (transitive)] > strip or make bare > strip of other specific covering
unclay1559
discover1563
unlead1566
unpaste1598
unline1600
undaub1611
unpaper1715
1566 J. Martiall Replie to Calfhills Blasphemous Answer x. f. 209v To call vpon all those that..haue vnleaded many a church and pilled many a poore man.
1615 A. Nixon Scourge Corrupt. 21 Hee sent for workmen, and the next day set them a worke, to vnlead the Church cleane.
a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Norw. 275 Formerly a very fair structure, but lately unleaded, and new covered with tyle.
1739 F. Blomefield Ess. Topogr. Hist. Norfolk I. 178 The Roof of the Nave was unthatched, and that of the North Isle unleaded, and both were taken down.
1786 C. Durnford Rep. Cases King's Bench 1 54 The case of Raby Castle, which was a suit for maliciously un-leading the house and pulling down the tiles, &c. which occasioned the ruin of the castle.
1801 J. Carter Some Acct. Cathedral Church Durham 5 The Galilee was unleaded, and its demolition was determined on.
1872 Sacristy Nov. 329/1 Edward I. unleaded the entire monastery.
1992 Guardian (Nexis) 11 Mar. 22 Mr Lamont is to be commended for..unleading more petrol.
2005 Daily Deal (Nexis) 5 Sept. There on the front page is a story that slackens your step and unleads your pencil.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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