v. Obs. [UN-2 3.]
1. trans. To unsew (the eyes of a hawk, etc.); fig., to open, unclose.
1530. Palsgr., 766/2. I unceyle a haukes eyes, or other byrdes, I cut the stytches that closed his eyes togyther.
a. 1587. Q. Eliz., in Puttenham, Eng. Poesie, III. xx. (Arb.), 255. Then dazeld eyes with pride, which great ambition blinds, Shalbe vnseeld by worthy wights.
1612. J. Davies (Heref.), Muse’s Sacr., Wks. (Grosart), II. 37/1. Vnseele mine Eyes, that long thy Light to see.
1652. Benlowes, Theoph., XI. xxx. Still to have toring waits unseel thine eyes In bed, at board.
2. To unsew or uncover the eyes of (a hawk, etc.). Also fig.
1530. Palsgr., 766/2. Unceyle your pigyon and … he wyll go from your hauke.
1575. Turberv., Falconrie, 91. Watche hir all that nighte that you unseale hir.
1612. Warner, Alb. Eng., XIII. lxxvi. 315. This Athiest and that Epicure grant thou whom they offend That I vnceele, and of my Verse thy Glory be the end.
1618. Latham, Falconry, xxvii. 124. Let them haue the rest [sc. doves] giuen vnseild with some few feathers drawne from them.
1686. Blome, Gentl. Recr., II. 36. In the Evening by Candle-light unseal her, giving her something to tyre upon.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Falcon, Give her a bit or two upon the Lure, and unseel her.
