A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Unbend, v. P.p. also onbent. [ME and e.m.E. unbende (c1290).] tr. a. To release from tension, unstring (a bow). b. To uncock (a firearm). —a. p.t. a1400 Leg. S. v 481, 483.
Thar-for he [h]is bow vnbent. Thane sad sancte Johne: ‘tel thi entent, Quhy thu vnbent thi bow sa sone!’ —p.p. 1513 Doug. xi xvii 18 (Ruddim.).
And on thare wery schulderis with grete schame Thare big bowis vnbent [C., Sm. onbent] has tursit hame —b. 1632 Lithgow Trav. viii 351.
Holding vp my hand, and imploring for our liues … they vnbend their fire-locks, and … did me homage
