unstep

American  

[uhn-step] / ʌnˈstɛp /

verb (used with object)

unstepped, unstepping

1. to lift from its step, as a mast.

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unstep British  

/ ʌnˈstɛp /

verb

1. (tr) nautical to remove (a mast) from its step

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Etymology

Origin of unstep

First recorded in 1850–55; un- ² + step

Example Sentences

This is used to unstep and eventually restep the mast.

From Time Magazine Archive

And get this boat out of the way and unstep her mast!

From Three Dramas by Sharp, R. Farquharson (Robert Farquharson)

At length the branches extended so far across the passage that we were compelled to unstep the mast in order to pass under them.

From The Wanderers Adventures in the Wilds of Trinidad and Orinoco by Perat

“You must look out sharp to shift the sheet when I tell you, and unstep the mast, if necessary, the very moment I say, mind!”

From Picked up at Sea The Gold Miners of Minturne Creek by Hutcheson, John C. (John Conroy)

“Now,” he continued, “if we lower the sail and unstep the mast, we may remain here as long as we please, undetected.”

From Two Gallant Sons of Devon A Tale of the Days of Queen Bess by Hodgson, Edward S.