Answer: unlay

AnswerCrossword Clue
UNLAYSeparate rope strands
UNLAYSeparate the strands of, as rope
UNLAYUntwist, as a rope: Naut.
UNLAYUntwist a ship's rope
UNLAYUntwist, as rope strands
unlayto untwist (to untwine (to separate twisted or tangled parts))
unlayto separate (a strand) from a rope
unlayto untwist (a rope) in order to separate its strands