unlimber

¹ American  

[uhn-lim-ber] / ʌnˈlɪm bər /

adjective

1. not limber; inflexible; stiff.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. limber.

unlimber ² American  

[uhn-lim-ber] / ʌnˈlɪm bər /

verb (used with object)

1. to detach (a gun) from its limber or prime mover.

2. to make ready for use or action.

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verb (used without object)

1. to prepare for action.

noun

1. the act of changing a gun from traveling to firing position.

unlimber British  

/ ʌnˈlɪmbə /

verb

1. (tr) to disengage (a gun) from its limber

2. to prepare (something) for use

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Etymology

Origin of unlimber¹

unlimber ¹ ( def. 1 ) un- ¹ + limber ¹; unlimber ¹ ( def. 2 ) un- ² + limber ¹

Origin of unlimber²

First recorded in 1795–1805; un- ² + limber ²

Example Sentences

In it, the English author lays out rules for a strategic version of toy soldiers—the number of moves required “to pass a fordable river,” “to embark into boats,” and “to unlimber guns.”

From Slate • Sep. 12, 2012

Before the General was able to unlimber his camel guns, volley upon volley of rifle fire echoed from the cliffs.

From Time Magazine Archive

Before Mayor Fieker could unlimber his prepared speach, both Mr, and Mrs Coolidge were safely indoors.

From Time Magazine Archive

Down these roads could roll at a few hours notice heavy tractor field-pieces, to unlimber at the parking spaces and command the Straits.

From Time Magazine Archive

Then, after much manœuvring, he caused them to take up another position, unlimber their guns, and fire.

From The Doctor of Pimlico Being the Disclosure of a Great Crime by Le Queux, William