darbies

[ dahr-beez ]

plural noun

, British Slang.

1. handcuffs; manacles.

darbies

/ ˈdɑːbɪz /

plural noun

1. short for handcuffs See handcuff

Word History and Origins

Origin of darbies¹

First recorded in 1565–75; probably from the phrase Darby's bonds a rigid bond, perhaps named after a noted 16th-century usurer

Word History and Origins

Origin of darbies¹

C16: perhaps from the phrase Father Derby's or Father Darby's bonds, a rigid agreement between a usurer and his client

Example Sentences

And this is not just a question of Darbies and Joans, who were at it in their youths, having slowed down as the years have passed.

From Economist

The disc also includes William Bolcom’s “Billy in the Darbies” and Copland’s “Two Pieces for String Quartet.”

From New York Times

He sang sweetly in quiet moments like "Billy in the Darbies," his haunting aria on the eve of execution, but much of the time one longed for a more powerful sound.

From Seattle Times

But when that we come to the whitt Our Darbies to behold, And for to take our penitency, And boose the water cold.

From Project Gutenberg

“Curse the darbies—I—” The sudden overturning of a stool, caused by a quick backward movement on the part of Mamma, drowns the rest of this muttered speech.

From Project Gutenberg