Our common prints would clear up their understandings.
Addison
5. To free from impediment or incumbrance, from defilement, or from anything injurious, useless, or offensive; as, to clear land of trees or brushwood, or from stones; to clear the sight or the voice; to clear one's self from debt; -- often used with of, off, away, or out.
Clear your mind of cant.
Dr. Johnson.
A statue lies hid in a block of marble; and the art of the statuary only clears away the superfluous matter.
Addison.
6. To free from the imputation of guilt; to justify, vindicate, or acquit; -- often used with from before the thing imputed.
I . . . am sure he will clear me from partiality.
Dryden.
How! wouldst thou clear rebellion?
Addison.
7. To leap or pass by, or over, without touching or failure; as, to clear a hedge; to clear a reef.