[loose] adj loos.er ; loos.est [ME lous, fr. ON lauss; akin to OHG los loose--more at -less] (13c) 1 a: not rigidly fastened or securely attached b (1): having worked partly free from attachments "a ~ tooth" (2): having relative freedom of movement c: produced freely and accompanied by raising of mucus "a ~ cough" d: not tight-fitting
2. a: free from a state of confinement, restraint, or obligation "a lion ~ in the streets" "spend ~ funds wisely" b: not brought together in a bundle, container, or binding c archaic: disconnected, detached
3: not dense, close, or compact in structure or arrangement
4. a: lacking in restraint or power of restraint "a ~ tongue" "~ bowels" b: lacking moral restraint: unchaste
5. a: not tightly drawn or stretched: slack b: being flexible or relaxed "stay ~"
6. a: lacking in precision, exactness, or care "~ brushwork" "~ usage" b: permitting freedom of interpretation 7: not in the possession of either of two competing teams "a ~ ball" "a ~ puck" -- loose.ly adv -- loose.ness n
[2]loose vb loosed ; loos.ing vt (13c) 1 a: to let loose: release b: to free from restraint
2: to make loose: untie "~ a knot"
3: to cast loose: detach
4: to let fly: discharge
5: to make less rigid, tight, or strict: relax ~ vi: to let fly a missile (as an arrow): fire [3]loose adv (15c): in a loose manner: loosely