See Also: unstring(dictionary)

unstring (iou)



unstring verb. . L16.
[from UN-2 + STRING verb. See also UNSTRUNG adjective.]
verb trans. Relax or remove the string or strings of (a bow, musical instrument, etc.). L16.
Pope His golden lyre Demodocus unstrung.
b. verbt & intrans. spec. Undo the strings of (a purse); give out money (from). Now rare. L17.
George Eliot My father wasn't quite so ready to unstring as some..I know of.
verb trans. Detach from a string. L17.
Gibbon Unstringing the beads from the rosary of antiquity.
a. verb trans. Weaken or disorder (the nerves etc.); unnerve, enervate. Freq. as unstrung ppl adjective. L17.
A. Powell He was..shaken, certainly more unstrung than Henchman after his fall. M. Flanagan My mind is unstrung.
b. verb intrans. Of the nerves: relax, weaken. E20.
T. Hardy My nerves unstring,..my flesh grows weak.