Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Cuff?

\Cuff\ (k?f), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Cuffed} (k?ft); p. pr. & vb. n. {Cuffing}.] [Cf. Sw. kuffa to knock, push,kufva to check, subdue, and E. cow, v. t. ] 1. To strike; esp., to smite with the palm or flat of the hand; to slap. I swear I'll cuff you, if you strike again. --Shak. They with their quills did all the hurt they could, And cuffed the tender chickens from their food. --Dryden. 2. To buffet. ``Cuffed by the gale.'' --Tennyson.
\Cuff\, v. i. To fight; to scuffle; to box. While the peers cuff to make the rabble sport. --Dryden.
\Cuff\, n. A blow; esp.,, a blow with the open hand; a box; a slap. Snatcheth his sword, and fiercely to him flies; Who well it wards, and quitten cuff with cuff. --Spenser. Many a bitter kick and cuff. --Hudibras.
\Cuff\, n. [Perh. from F. coiffe headdress, hood, or coif; as if the cuff were a cap for the hand. Cf. {Coif}.] 1. The fold at the end of a sleeve; the part of a sleeve turned back from the hand. He would visit his mistress in a morning gown, band, short cuffs, and a peaked beard. --Arbuthnot. 2. Any ornamental appendage at the wrist, whether attached to the sleeve of the garment or separate; especially, in modern times, such an appendage of starched linen, or a substitute for it of paper, or the like.