v. t.
After a year's rooting, then shaking doth the tree good by loosening of the earth. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]
It loosens his hands, and assists his understanding. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. i. To become loose; to become less tight, firm, or compact. S. Sharp. [ 1913 Webster ]
adj.
n. One who, or that which, loosens. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The state, condition, or quality, of being loose;