let-out

[let-out, let-out]

adjective

1. (of fur) processed by cutting parallel diagonal slashes into the pelt and sewing the slashed edges together to lengthen the pelt and to improve the appearance of the fur.

noun

1. Chiefly British.,  a means of escape; loophole.

let out

verb

1. to give vent to; emit

   to let out a howl

2. to allow to go or run free; release

3. (may take a clause as object) to reveal (a secret)

4. to make available to tenants, hirers, or contractors

5. to permit to flow out

   to let air out of the tyres

6. to make (a garment) larger, as by unpicking (the seams) and sewing nearer the outer edge

noun

1. a chance to escape

Word History and Origins

Origin of let out¹

First recorded in 1830–40; adj., noun use of verb phrase let out

Idioms and Phrases

Allow to get out ; also see get out of .

Make known, reveal, as in I thought it was a secret—who let it out? [First half of 1800s] Also see let the cat out of the bag .

Come to a close, end, as in What time does school let out? [Late 1800s]

Increase the size of a garment, as in May's coat needs to be let out across the shoulders . This usage refers to opening some of the seams. [Late 1700s]

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