unhang

English

Etymology

un- +‎ hang

Verb

unhang (third-person singular simple present unhangs, present participle unhanging, simple past and past participle unhung)

1. (transitive) To take down something (such as a picture) from a hanging position

Verb

unhang (third-person singular simple present unhangs, present participle unhanging, simple past and past participle unhanged)

1. (transitive) Hypothetically, to undo the execution of (a person) by hanging.
   • 1839, The Christian Observer (volume 38, page 585)

     There is a clear line of distinction in this matter. An equity judge could not unhang a man who had been wrongfully hanged; but he could set aside a precedent which was manifestly contrary to law and justice.

   • 1844, The Western Law Journal (volume 2, page 272)

     But, having hung him, you cannot unhang him. With all your liability to err, you dare to take a step, which, if wrong at all, is infinitely so, because irretrievable.