v. [UN-2 3.]
1. trans. To unwind; to take out of a coiled state.
1713. Derham, Phys.-Theol., x. (1727), 406, note. Between which [great fibres], may be seen the Spiral Air-Vessels (like Threads of Cobweb) a little uncoiled.
1811. 2nd Rep. Records Irel., 26. The Parliament Rolls … often extend many perches in length; actually requiring a machine to uncoil and wind them up.
1839. Darwin, Voy. Nat., i. 19. Where the stream uncoils into long streaks the froth collected in the eddies.
1850. Tyndall, Glac., I. xi. 73. We … paused while our guide uncoiled a rope and tied us all together.
refl. 1824. Dibdin, Libr. Comp., 742. His muse … is capable of uncoiling and rousing herself, as it were, for attacks of tremendous severity.
1859. Tennyson, Vivien, 738. The snake of gold slid from her hair, the braid Slipt and uncoil’d itself.
2. absol. To become uncoiled.
1854. Owen, in Orr’s Circ. Sci., Org. Nat., I. 195. The constrictor slowly uncoils.
1870. Hooker, Stud. Flora, 472. Elaters, which are coiled round the spore when moist, and uncoil when dry.
Hence Uncoiled ppl. a.; Uncoiling vbl. sb.
1839. Ure, Dict. Arts, etc., 1284. The coiling and uncoiling of the cord.
1844. W. Upton, Physioglyphics, 176. The English capital represents it uncoiled, but still quiescent.
1856. Emerson, Eng. Traits, Result. Who would see the uncoiling of that tremendous spring.
