unlimber

[ uhn-lim-ber ]

/ ʌnˈlɪm bər /

not limber; inflexible; stiff.

limber¹.

Origin of unlimber

(def 1) un-¹ + limber¹; (def 2) un-² + limber¹

unlimber ²

[ uhn-lim-ber ]

/ ʌnˈlɪm bər /

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

to make ready for use or action.

to prepare for action.

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

First recorded in 1795–1805; un-² + limber²

The artillerymen will be in the waggons next the guns, all ready to unlimber and open fire.

The Mystery of Cloomber |Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Henry had only to follow and pen them in and unlimber his guns.

In the Days of Poor Richard |Irving Bacheller
“Come into position out there on the right,” said Sherman, pointing to the place where he wanted him to unlimber.

My Days and Nights on the Battle-Field |Charles Carleton Coffin
Take up Bach, if you must unlimber your fingers and your wits.

Old Fogy |James Huneker

We hastened to get into position and unlimber before they could get the range.

A Battery at Close Quarters |Henry M. Neil

unlimber

/ (ʌnˈlɪmbə) /

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

to prepare (something) for use