Loosing

/ˈluːsɪŋ/ verb

Definition

Releasing or letting something go free, or firing an arrow or projectile.

Etymology

From Old Norse 'lauss' meaning 'loose' or 'free,' related to German 'los.' It evolved to mean 'to set free' and in archery specifically 'to release an arrow'.

Kelly Says

Medieval archers 'loosed' arrows thousands of times at war—the word is still used in archery today, meaning the simple act of releasing the bowstring is so important it got its own special word.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.