v. [UN-2 3.]
1. trans. To open or spread out (a flag or sail) to the wind.
1641. Milton, Reform., II. 69. Such poor drifts to … ingage the unattainted Honour of English Knighthood, to unfurle the streaming Red Crosse. Ibid. (1667), P. L., I. 535. A Cherube tall: Who forthwith from the glittering Staff unfurld Th’ Imperial Ensign.
1717. Prior, Alma, I. 489. Antonius fled from Actium’s Coast,… His Sails by Cupid’s Hand unfurl’d.
1795. in Naval Chron., III. 117. The royal standard was unfurled in the barge.
1836. W. Irving, Astoria, I. 87. They saw the sails unfurled, and that it was getting under way.
1860. Tyndall, Glac., I. xvi. 105. I took the glorious banner thus unfurled as a sign of hope.
b. transf. and fig.
1678. Poor Robin’s True Char. Scold, 4. When once her Flag of Defiance, the Tippet, is unfurl’d, she cares not a straw for Constable.
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 102, ¶ 4. The next Motion is that of unfurling the Fan, in which are comprehended several little Flirts and Vibrations.
1796. Mod. Gulliver, 226. I once more unfurled my umbrella, and away we went.
1840. Dickens, Old C. Shop, xvii. Codlin pitched the temple,… hastily unfurling the drapery and concealing Short therewith.
1884. Harper’s Mag., Dec., 117/1. He takes the fan out, and unfurls it.
2. intr. To open to the wind.
1813. Byron, Corsair, I. xvi. As marks his eye … the sails unfurling fast.
1854. Patmore, Angel in Ho., Betrothal, 119. As to the breeze a flag unfurls My spirit expanded.
Hence Unfurled ppl. a., Unfurling vbl. sb.
1647. N. Ward, Simple Cobler, 54. I am resolved to display my unfurled soule in your face.
1780. Mirror, No. 102. The art which the ladies … used in the unfurling of their fans.
