unsuit v.

to remove a spacesuit

  • 1957 R. Silverberg Why? in Science Fiction Stories Nov. 67/1 page image Robert Silverberg bibliography

    Brock unsuited; the vine had left a red, raw line about his waist.

  • 1962 A. K. Lang Chemically Pure Warriors in Worlds of If July 74/2 page image

    He unsuited himself.

  • 1964 P. J. Farmer Tongues of Moon 93 Philip JosΓ© Farmer

    β€˜Take off your suit. Then come in with your hands over your head.’ Without waiting for the man to finish unsuiting, Broward took the scout out of the port and away towards Mars.

  • 1968 A. Norton Zero Stone (1969) 61 Andre Norton

    There was another opening at the end of this space, giving entrance directly to the lock, saving time when one must suit or unsuit in leaving or entering the ship. I ran my hand along the rack of suits, striving to find one enough my size to be, if not comfortable, usable.

  • 1971 P. Anderson Byworlder in Fantastic Science Fiction & Fantasy Stories June iv. 30/1 Poul Anderson bibliography

    He had unsuited and now hung close beside her, lightly holding a handgrip.

  • 1972 J. W. Haldeman in Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact June 22/1 Joe Haldeman

    After a lot of shuffling around, everybody finally got plugged in and we were allowed to unsuit, ninety-seven naked chickens squirming out of bright green eggs.

  • 1987 L. M. Bujold Falling Free in Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact Dec. 44/1 Lois McMaster Bujold

    Later, as his students unsuited in the equipment locker, laughingand joking as they cleaned and stored their work suits, Leo drifted over to the silent and pale Tony.

  • 2001 C. Bunch Homefall xiii. 195

    β€˜If you and your men want to unsuit, it'll be a lot more comfortable.’ There was a pause, then the figure reached up, touched seals around its neck, and lifted the helmet clear.


Research requirements

antedating 1957

Earliest cite

Robert Silverberg, "Why?"

Research History
Douglas Winston submitted a cite from an undated reprint of Andre Norton's 1968 "The Zero Stone".
Douglas Winston submitted a cite from a reprint of Philip Jose Farmer's "Tongues of the Moon"; Mike Christie verified the cite in the 1964 first edition.
Malcolm Farmer submitted a 1972 cite from Joe Haldeman's "Hero".
Douglas Winston submitted a 2001 cite from Chris Bunch's "Homefall".
Douglas Winston submitted a cite from a reprint of Poul Anderson's "The Byworlder"; Mike Christie verified this in the 1971 original magazine publication.
Dan Tilque submited a 1987 cite from Lois McMaster Bujold's "Falling Free".
Jesse Sheidlower submitted a 1957 cite from Robert Silverberg.

Last modified 2021-01-12 00:21:49
In the compilation of some entries, HDSF has drawn extensively on corresponding entries in OED.