v. Obs. or arch. Also 4 vncleth(e; pa. t. 4 vnclede, 5 -cledde, 5–6 -cled; 4–5, 7, 9 unclad; p.p. 7 vncled, -clad. [UN-2 4. Cf. MDu. ontcleden (-cleiden), Du. ontkleeden, G. entkleiden.]
1. trans. To unclothe, undress. Also refl.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 16339. Pilate … Of his clothes vn-clethes him.
c. 1375. Sc. Leg. Saints, xxx. (Theodera), 781. Þe abbot … vncled hyr, as custum was, þe ded body for to wesche.
c. 1400. Rule St. Benet (Prose), 145. Þe Priores sal hafe hir befor þe auter & vncleth hir of hir seculer clething.
1483. Caxton, Gold. Leg., 85 b/1. He dyspoylled and unclad hym and gaf hys clothys unto the bochyers.
c. 1520. M. Nisbet, Matt. xxvii. 31. Thai vncled him of the mantil.
1842. Tennyson, Godiva, 48. Godiva … Unclad herself in haste.
2. fig. To divest oneself of; to put off.
1659. W. Chamberlayne, Pharonnida, I. 44. Argalia thus unclad Amazements dark disguise. Ibid., IV. 81. We there unclad All our deform’d misfortunes.
