What is "unlimbering"

Usage examples of "unlimbering".

He was aware of Hurin unlimbering his short-bladed sword and notched sword-breaker, and Perrin reluctantly drawing his axe from the loop on his belt.

All along the small band of heroes there was an unsheathing of swords, an unlimbering of bows, a hefting of spears and axes.

Through gaps in the trees, Johanna could see troopers on the next switchback above them unlimbering crossbows, firing into the hillside above them.

Pilgrim was already unlimbering his shields and turning to follow him.

While all stood there trying to decide what to do, an aide who had gone down the road reported that a battery of Northern artillery was unlimbering just before them.