unhand

American  

[uhn-hand] / ʌnˈhænd /

verb (used with object)

1. to take the hand or hands from; release from a grasp; let go.

   Unhand me, you wretched coward!

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unhand British  

/ ʌnˈhænd /

verb

1. archaic (tr) to release from the grasp

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Etymology

Origin of unhand

First recorded in 1595–1605; un- ² + hand

Example Sentences

They stage a melodrama in the lobby in which the business of "unhand that woman" and "the viper beats my mother" is used with proper gusto.

From Time Magazine Archive

“Dog, unhand our royal charger. We are the Empress Jadis.”

From "The Magician's Nephew" by C. S. Lewis

Oh, you're a special Officer? unhand my Horse, Sirrah, or you shall pay for all the Damage you do me.

From The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume III by Summers, Montague

His attendants laid hands on me, but he revived and bade them unhand me and bring me courteously to the palace.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Volume IV by Payne, John

"And I pray thee unhand me, for I promise to patiently abide till thou hast said thy say."

From Standish of Standish A story of the Pilgrims by Austin, Jane G. (Jane Goodwin)