unˈshell, v.
[un-2 5. Cf. Du. ontschillen, -schellen.]
trans. To extract from, to strip of, the shell. (Chiefly fig.)
| 1599 Nashe Lenten Stuffe D iij, Of him and none but him,..that euer Yarmoth vnshelled or ingendred. 1611 Cotgr., Challer,..to shale, or vnshell, Nuts, &c. 1642 Fuller Holy & Prof. St. ii. x. 90 Our Perkins brought the schools into the Pulpit, and unshelling their controversies out of their hard school-terms, made thereof..wholsome meat for his people. 1652 Benlowes Theoph. vi. xvii, Thou, Love,..did'st unshell My Spirit (fledg'd with Grace) from that disorder'd cell. 1761 Murphy Citizen ii, Sir! Turn out pray, turn out—you won't—Then I'll unshell you. 1819 Scott Leg. Montrose v, By this time he was unshelled, and stood before the fire. 1892 Sat. Rev. 17 Dec. 719/1 You have got but to unhusk and unshell it, and there it is. |
Hence unˈshelled ppl. a.1; unˈshelling vbl. n.
| a 1668 R. Lassels Voy. Italy (1698) II. 277 Whose ingenious book gives light to many books by the unshelling of a world of ancient customs. 1799 Sheridan Pizarro iv. i, O'er her unshelled brood the murmuring ring-dove sits not more gently. |