The situation in which the fencer's blades are not in contact. The opposite of engagement.

This occurs most commonly after a taking of the blade and is most commonly experienced by competitive fencers. Absence of blade tends to be seen at the end of the day when packing up weapons & kit, post bouts. This may be accidental, but likely some thieving gypsy just stole it! Absence of body wire may also occur at the same time, though the two events can be mutually exclusive.

when the blades are not touching; opposite of engagement.

when swords are not in contact