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

See Examples For:

unlimber

There is no constitutional duty to unlimber the remedy if it will not solve, or at least help solve, the problem.

From Slate ● Aug. 17, 2026

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

The good guys and bad guys unlimber their six-shooters in ads in the newspapers' financial sections.

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

An officer who watched them the following day gallop onto the field, unlimber and start firing, told me that the way their fire covered that front was an absolutely uncanny sight.

From On the Fringe of the Great Fight by George G. (George Gallie) Nasmith