unlimber

unlimber
unlimber 1802, "to free (a gun) from its limber," usually for the purpose of bringing it into action, from UN- (Cf. un-) (2) + LIMBER (Cf. limber) (n.). Fig. sense is attested from 1864.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Unlimber — Un*lim ber, v. t. [1st pref. un + limber.] (Mil.) To detach the limber from; as, to unlimber a gun. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • unlimber — unlimber1 [unlim′bər] adj. not limber, or supple; stiff [unlimber fingers] vt., vi. to make or become supple unlimber2 [unlim′bər] vt., vi. [ UN + LIMBER2] 1. to prepare (a field gun) for use by detaching the limber …   English World dictionary

  • unlimber — Date: 1802 transitive verb 1. to detach the limber from and so make ready < unlimber a gun for action > 2. to prepare for operation or performance < unlimbered his banjo and began to play > intransitive verb to prepare something for action …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • unlimber — |ən+ verb Etymology: un (II) + limber, n. transitive verb 1. : to detach the limber from and so make ready unlimber a gun for action 2. : to prepare for action : arrange for use …   Useful english dictionary

  • unlimber — unlimber1 /un lim beuhr/, adj. 1. not limber; inflexible; stiff. v.i., v.t. 2. limber1. [(def. 1) UN 1 + LIMBER1; (def. 2) UN 2 + LIMBER1] unlimber2 /un lim beuhr/, v.t. 1 …   Universalium

  • unlimber — verb By extension, to clumsily put into employ a large weapon or object. Ant: limber …   Wiktionary

  • unlimber — v. prepare for action; prepare a canon for use …   English contemporary dictionary

  • unlimber — verb 1》 detach (a gun) from its limber. 2》 chiefly US unpack or unfasten ready for use …   English new terms dictionary

  • unlimber — un·limber …   English syllables

  • unlimber — I un•lim•ber [[t]ʌnˈlɪm bər[/t]] adj. 1) not limber; inflexible; stiff 2) limber II un•lim•ber [[t]ʌnˈlɪm bər[/t]] v. t. 1) mil to detach (a gun) from its limber or prime mover 2) to make ready for use or action 3) cvb to prepare for action •… …   From formal English to slang

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