rare. [f. L. convolūt-, ppl. stem of convolvĕre: see CONVOLVE.]

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  † 1.  trans. To twist or coil round (something); to embrace. Obs.

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1698.  J. Petiver, in Phil. Trans., XX. 404. These Leaves … stand cross-wise, or alternately opposite, convoluting the Stalk. Ibid. (1702), XXIII. 1256. Its Leaves are narrow, long and apt to convolute, or close round the Panicle.

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  2.  To coil up, form into a coiled or twisted shape (fig. in quot.). See also CONVOLUTED.

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1887.  Saintsbury, Elizab. Lit., ii. 42. The special Elizabethan sin of convoluting and entangling his phrases.

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  3.  intr. To twist or wind about. nonce-use.

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1847.  Mar. Edgeworth, Orlandino 29. Rolling and winding, convoluting and evoluting.

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  Hence Convoluting ppl. a.

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1818.  Keats, Sleep & Poetry, 176. The fervid choir that lifted up a noise Of harmony, to where it aye will poise Its mighty self of convoluting sound.

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