unlay

[ uhn-ley ]

verb (used with object)

, un·laid, un·lay·ing.

1. to separate (a strand) from a rope.
2. to untwist (a rope) in order to separate its strands.

unlay

/ ʌnˈleɪ /

verb

1. tr to untwist (a rope or cable) to separate its strands

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlay¹

First recorded in 1720–30; un- ² + lay ¹

Example Sentences

“She started to unlay herself and became outspoken, someone who wanted to impact and leave a lasting impression on you,” said Charles, who is now with the Washington Mystics.

From New York Times

They're not suddenly going to press the rewind button and totally unlay you off.

From Time Magazine Archive

For a fair-sized rope unlay about 9 ft. of each end.

From Project Gutenberg

Cut one of the strands at a and unlay it to c, then cut one of the strands remaining at c and unlay it to b, laying the strand a up again as far as b; then cut the only remaining strand at b, which will be the centre, when your rope will be in two parts.

From Project Gutenberg

To Form a Wall Knot.—First unlay the rope so that the strands appear as in Fig.

From Project Gutenberg