v. i. To give an explanation. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
The horse-chestnut is . . . ready to explain its leaf. Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ]
Commentators to explain the difficult passages to you. Gay. [ 1913 Webster ]
To explain away,
a. [ L. explainabilis. ] Capable of being explained or made plain to the understanding; capable of being interpreted. Sir. T. Browne.
n. One who explains; an expounder or expositor; a commentator; an interpreter.