To lose the fang

Fang Fang, n. [From {Fang}, v. t.; cf. AS. fang a taking, booty, G. fang.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) The tusk of an animal, by which the prey is seized and held or torn; a long pointed tooth; esp., one of the usually erectile, venomous teeth of serpents. Also, one of the falcers of a spider. [1913 Webster]

Since I am a dog, beware my fangs. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. Any shoot or other thing by which hold is taken. [1913 Webster]

The protuberant fangs of the yucca. --Evelyn. [1913 Webster]

3. (Anat.) The root, or one of the branches of the root, of a tooth. See {Tooth}. [1913 Webster]

4. (Mining) A niche in the side of an adit or shaft, for an air course. --Knight. [1913 Webster]

5. (Mech.) A projecting tooth or prong, as in a part of a lock, or the plate of a belt clamp, or the end of a tool, as a chisel, where it enters the handle. [1913 Webster]

6. (Naut.) (a) The valve of a pump box. (b) A bend or loop of a rope. [1913 Webster]

{In a fang}, fast entangled.

{To lose the fang}, said of a pump when the water has gone out; hence:

{To fang a pump}, to supply it with the water necessary to make it operate. [Scot.] [1913 Webster]