unhoop

A worker unhoops the wooden barrel.

Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To remove the hoop or hoops from: "unhoop" means to take off the circular metal or wooden bands that bind or reinforce a container, such as a barrel, cask, or tub.

Usage Examples

• (The craftsman removed the metal bands from the barrel.)
• (They took off the hoops to dismantle the container.)

Advanced Usage

• "to unhoop a cask": a specific phrase used in cooperage (barrel-making) to describe the process of removing hoops for maintenance or salvage.

  • The vintner unhooped the wine cask to inspect the interior for damage. (He removed the hoops to examine the barrel's inside.)

• "unhooped" (past participle/adjective): describes a container from which the hoops have been removed.

  • The unhooped barrel collapsed under its own weight. (The barrel without its supporting bands fell apart.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hoop (n): a circular band of metal, wood, or plastic used to bind a barrel or other container.
  • The blacksmith forged a new hoop for the water cask. (He made a circular band for the barrel.)
• Hoop (v): to bind or fit with a hoop.
  • The cooper hooped the new barrel tightly. (He attached the metal bands securely.)

Synonyms

• Remove the bands: to take off the encircling strips.
• Unbind: to release from binding or fastening.

Phrasal Verbs

• (None commonly associated with "unhoop".)

Related Idioms

• (None. "Unhoop" is a technical term with no idiomatic usage.)