unlay

American  

[uhn-ley] / ʌnˈleɪ /

verb (used with object)

unlaid, unlaying

1. to separate (a strand) from a rope.

2. to untwist (a rope) in order to separate its strands.

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unlay British  

/ ʌnˈleɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to untwist (a rope or cable) to separate its strands

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Etymology

Origin of unlay

First recorded in 1720–30; un- ² + lay ¹

Example Sentences

They're not suddenly going to press the rewind button and totally unlay you off.

From Time Magazine Archive

Suppose you and Widgeon try to unlay one of the sail-ropes and make a fishing-line.”

From Mother Carey's Chicken Her Voyage to the Unknown Isle by Forestier, A.

I’ve on’y got to unlay this piece o’ rope—it’s nearly new—and then I can twist up yards o’ line.”

From Nic Revel A White Slave's Adventures in Alligator Land by Groome, William H. C.

With steel wire, always before working it, put a stop on at the place to which you intend to unlay, and also put a good whipping of twine at the end of each strand.

From Knots, Bends, Splices With tables of strengths of ropes, etc. and wire rigging by Jutsum, J. Netherclift

Proceed as in rope splicing, and after the three pairs of strands are in their places, single them, and continue to unlay and lay-in until the six meeting places of the strands are equi-distant.

From Knots, Bends, Splices With tables of strengths of ropes, etc. and wire rigging by Jutsum, J. Netherclift