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

The second move would unlimber the Federal Reserve System so that it could itself perform the work undertaken by National Credit Corp.

From Time Magazine Archive

Indeed, the prospects for major new controls this year are so dim that the ever-alert National Rifle Association has yet to unlimber its prodigious anti-control lobbying program.

From Time Magazine Archive

Not until it was filled and lighted and drawing well, would he "unlimber his jaw," to use his own phrase, and tell of the day's experience.

From Bert Wilson at Panama by J. W. Duffield

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