vbl. sb. [f. UNLOCK v.] The action of the verb, in various senses.
[1719. Boyer, Dict. Royal, II. Unlocking, ouverture, laction douvrir.]
1825. J. Nicholson, Operat. Mechanic, 509. The scape-wheel teeth [being] under-cut for the purpose of avoiding friction and for safe unlocking.
1890. Retrospect Med., CII. 128. The sudden unlocking of abnormal metabolic processes.
attrib. 1850. Chubb, Locks & Keys, 25. An unlocking notch in the outer edge of the slider.
1884. F. J. Britten, Watch & Clockm., 276. Unlocking Resistance [is] the resistance opposed to unlocking by the draw of the locking faces.