disheveling

1 definition found

disheveling - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Dishevel \Di*shev"el\ (d[i^]*sh[e^]v"'l or -[e^]l), v. t. [imp.
     & p. p. Disheveledor Dishevelled; p. pr. & vb. n.
     Disheveling or Dishevelling.] [OF. descheveler, F.
     d['e]cheveler, LL. discapillare; dis- + L. capillus the hair
     of the head. See Capillary.]
     1. To suffer (the hair) to hang loosely or disorderly; to
        spread or throw (the hair) in disorder; -- used chiefly in
        the passive participle.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              With garments rent and hair disheveled,
              Wringing her hands and making piteous moan.
                                                    --Spenser.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. To spread loosely or disorderly.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Like the fair flower disheveled in the wind.
                                                    --Cowper.
        [1913 Webster]