v. [UN-2 4 b.] trans. To take the hand off; to release from one’s grasp; to let go. Chiefly arch. in the imperative phrase unhand me!

1

1602.  Shaks., Ham., I. iv. 84. Vnhand me Gentlemen: By Heau’n, Ile make a Ghost of him that lets me.

2

1638.  Brome, Antipodes, IV. ii. The way is broad enough, unhand me pray you.

3

1655.  trans. Sorel’s Com. Hist. Francion, VII. 22. I desired them to unhand me.

4

1687.  Mrs. Behn, Lucky Chance, V. Unhand me, false deceiver, let me loose!

5

1748.  Richardson, Clarissa (1811), II. 358. Unhand me this moment, or I will cry out for help.

6

1801.  Mar. Edgeworth, Moral T., Angelina, iv. Unhand my Angelina, or I shall die!

7

1860.  Sala, Baddington Peerage, I. vii. 132. The surgeon unhanded his assistant, looking at him with a vexed and puzzled air.

8

  fig.  1880.  Lanier, Sunrise, 77. ’Tis here thou canst unhand thy heart And breathe it free.

9