unˈbreech, v.
[un-2 4. Cf. Du. ontbroeken.]
† 1. trans. To remove the breech or breeching from (a cannon, etc.).
| a 1548 Hall Chron., Hen. VIII, 259 b, The portes [were] left open,..and the greate ordinaunce vnbreched, so that when the ship should turne, the water entered, and sodainly she sanke. 1598 Florio, Scalcagnare,..to vnbreech, to vnheele, to vnstock, or dismount any kinde of great ordinance or artillerie. c 1620 Fletcher & Mass. Double Marriage ii. i, Gun. Let the worst come, I can unbreech a Cannon, and without much help Turn her into the Keel. 1625 Markham Souldiers Accid. 8 He shall..shew them how to scoure their Pieces, and..how to vnbreetch them. |
2. To strip (a person) of breeches.
| 1598 Florio, Scalciáre, to vnhose, to unshoe,..to vnbreech. 1835 Court Mag. VI. 20, I was afraid of feeling for my snuff⁓box, lest I should unbreech half Naples. 1846 Landor Imag. Conv. Wks. I. 29 Kings have been stripped bare, and emperors unbreeched, by the popes. a 1896 Morris Sundering Flood (1897) 123 If I catch thee not and unbreech thee and whip thee as a grammar master his scholar, then [etc.] |
Hence unˈbreeching vbl. n.
| 1598 Florio, Scalciatura, an..vnhosing, vnbreeching. |