v. [UN-2 4 b. Cf. Da. ontschakelen.]
1. trans. To free from a shackle or fetter. Also fig.
1611. Cotgr., Destraver, to vnshackle, vngyue.
1650. Gentilis, Considerations, 129. But to doe it [sc. overcome his enemy] when he is shackled and bound, without unshackling or unbinding is very much.
1699. South, Serm. (1715), IV. 518. Unshackle his Nature, and turn his Desires loose, and then you shall see what he will choose.
1827. Pollok, Course T., VII. 464. The patriot bands that … unshackled nations.
1828–32. Webster s.v., To unshackle the hands.
b. To untie, detach.
1694. Echard, Plautus, 195. Only t’unshackle your rope, that hangs at your heels.
2. Naut. To remove a shackle from (a chain, etc.).
1840. R. H. Dana, Bef. Mast, vii. We hove in upon our chain, and after stoppering and unshackling it again and again,… we at length tipped our anchor.
1899. F. V. Kirby, Sport E. C. Africa, ix. 97. Unshackling the anchor, I put the shackle in my pocket.
