Di*shev"el (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Disheveled (?) or Dishevelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Disheveling or Dishevelling.] [OF. descheveler, F. d'echeveler, LL. discapillare; dis- + L. capillus the hair of the head. See Capillary.]
1.
To suffer (the hair) to hang loosely or disorderly; to spread or throw (the hair) in disorder; -- used chiefly in the passive participle.
With garments rent and hair disheveled,
Wringing her hands and making piteous moan.
Spenser.
2.
To spread loosely or disorderly.
Like the fair flower disheveled in the wind.
Cowper.
© Webster 1913.
Di*shev"el, v. i.
To be spread in disorder or hang negligently, as the hair.
[R.]
Sir T. Herbert.
© Webster 1913.