v. [UN-2 7, 4 b. Cf. OE. onspringan, OS. antspringan, Du. ontspringen, OHG. intspringan (MHG., G. entspringen).]

1

  † 1.  intr. To burst open. Obs.–1

2

13[?].  K. Alis. (W.), 2902. Mury hit is in sonne-risyng! The rose openith and unspryng [Laud MS. wile vpspringe].

3

  2.  trans. To release or detach by pressing a spring.

4

1802.  James, Milit. Dict., To unspring, a word of command formerly used in the exercise of cavalry. Ibid., Unspring your carbine.

5

1833.  Reg. Instr. Cavalry, I. 96. ‘Unspring’ by disengaging the swivel from the carbine.

6

1859.  F. A. Griffiths, Artill. Man. (ed. 8), 48. Unspring arms.

7