raveling

By raveling off about four inches from each leg he got enough cotton thread to patch the other two wicks with.
Where the Pavement Ends|John Russell
He'd been raveling off his pants for more splices until he blushed to look at himself.
Where the Pavement Ends|John Russell
In dry climates, a layer six inches thick will be adequate if it can be kept from raveling.
American Rural Highways|T. R. Agg
Baste also one-fourth inch hems at the outside edges of the side lengths which are raveling.
Clothing and Health|Helen Kinne

Bastions and raveling were everywhere rising, constructed on principles unknown to Parma and Spinola.
The History of England from the Accession of James II.|Thomas Babington Macaulay

Origin of raveling