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

"Liar!" she said, and pointed at Gurth a long, white finger, "unhand her, liar, lest thou wither, flesh and bone, body and soul!"

From Beltane the Smith by Farnol, Jeffery

"And now, gentlemen, if you will unhand me, I will return to my apartments."

From The Suitors of Yvonne: being a portion of the memoirs of the Sieur Gaston de Luynes by Sabatini, Rafael

"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)