- AS. openian. See Open,a
- To make or set open; to render free of access; to unclose; to unbar; to unlock; to remove any fastening or covering from; as, to open a door; to open a box; to open a room; to open a letter.And all the windows of my heart I open to the day.
- To spread; to expand; as, to open the hand.
- To disclose; to reveal; to interpret; to explain.The king opened himself to some of his council, that he was sorry for the earl's death.Unto thee have I opened my cause.While he opened to us the Scriptures.
- To make known; to discover; also, to render available or accessible for settlements, trade, etc.The English did adventure far for to open the North parts of America.
- To enter upon; to begin; as, to open a discussion; to open fire upon an enemy; to open trade, or correspondence; to open an investigation; to open a case in court, or a meeting.
- To loosen or make less compact; as, to open matted cotton by separating the fibers.Poetry that had opened up so many delightful views into the character and condition of our “bold peasantry, their country's pride.”
