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

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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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

Again the headline writers had to unlimber their stuns, surprises and upsets to report Kennedy's trouncing of Carter in both states and Bush's beating of Reagan in Connecticut.

From Time Magazine Archive

You let 'em," says he; "and meanwhile you unlimber that high-tension intellect of yours and see what you can pick up.

From The House of Torchy by Arthur William Brown

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