Open \O"pen\ v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Opened}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Opening}.] [AS. openian. See {Open},a.]
   1. To make or set open; to render free of access; to unclose;
      to unbar; to unlock; to remove any fastening or covering
      from; as, to open a door; to open a box; to open a room;
      to open a letter.
      
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            And all the windows of my heart
            I open to the day.                    --Whittier.
      
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   2. To spread; to expand; as, to open the hand.
      
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   3. To disclose; to reveal; to interpret; to explain.
      
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            The king opened himself to some of his council, that
            he was sorry for the earl's death.    --Bacon.
      
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            Unto thee have I opened my cause.     --Jer. xx. 12.
      
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            While he opened to us the Scriptures. --Luke xxiv.
                                                  32.
      
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   4. To make known; to discover; also, to render available or
      accessible for settlements, trade, etc.
      
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            The English did adventure far for to open the North
            parts of America.                     --Abp. Abbot.
      
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   5. To enter upon; to begin; as, to open a discussion; to open
      fire upon an enemy; to open trade, or correspondence; to
      open an investigation; to open a case in court, or a
      meeting.
      
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   6. To loosen or make less compact; as, to open matted cotton
      by separating the fibers.
      
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   {To open ones mouth}, {to speak}.

   {To open up}, to lay open; to discover; to disclose.
      
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            Poetry that had opened up so many delightful views
            into the character and condition of our "bold
            peasantry, their country's pride."    --Prof.
                                                  Wilson.
      
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opened \opened\ adj.
   1. having the covering skin pulled back; -- used of mouth or
      eyes; as, his mouth slightly opened. Opposite of {closed}.
      [Narrower terms: {agape(predicate), gaping, yawning ;
      {agaze, staring ; {round-eyed, wide ]

   Syn: open.
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   2. having the seal broken so as to reveal the contents; as,
      the letter was already opened.

   Syn: open.
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