1. (v. t.) To open the folds of; to expand; to spread out; as, to unfold a tablecloth.

2. (v. t.) To open, as anything covered or close; to lay open to view or contemplation; to bring out in all the details, or by successive development; to display; to disclose; to reveal; to elucidate; to explain; as, to unfold one's designs; to unfold the principles of a science.

3. (v. t.) To release from a fold or pen; as, to unfold sheep.

4. (v. i.) To open; to expand; to become disclosed or developed.