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 snuffbox, 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 Unbreeching vbl. sb.
1598. Florio, Scalciatura, an … vnhosing, vnbreeching.
