v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Unbent p. pr. & vb. n. Unbending. ] [ 1st pref. un- + bend. ] 1. To free from flexure; to make, or allow to become, straight; to loosen; as, to unbend a bow. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A remit from a strain or from exertion; to set at ease for a time; to relax; as, to unbend the mind from study or care. [ 1913 Webster ]

You do unbend your noble strength. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Naut.) (a) To unfasten, as sails, from the spars or stays to which they are attached for use. (b) To cast loose or untie, as a rope. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To cease to be bent; to become straight or relaxed. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To relax in exertion, attention, severity, or the like; hence, to indulge in mirth or amusement. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ In senses 1, 2, and 3, pref. un- not + bending; in sense 4, properly p. pr. of unbend. ] 1. Not bending; not suffering flexure; not yielding to pressure; stiff; -- applied to material things. [ 1913 Webster ]

Flies o'er the unbending corn, and skims along the main. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Unyielding in will; not subject to persuasion or influence; inflexible; resolute; -- applied to persons. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Unyielding in nature; unchangeable; fixed; -- applied to abstract ideas; as, unbending truths. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Devoted to relaxation or amusement. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

It may entertain your lordships at an unbending hour. Rowe. [ 1913 Webster ]

-- Un*bend"ing*ly, adv. -- Un*bend"ing*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]