darbies

American  

[dahr-beez] / ˈdɑr biz /

plural noun

British Slang.

1. handcuffs; manacles.

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darbies British  

/ ˈdɑːbɪz /

plural noun

1. short for handcuffs See handcuff

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Etymology

Origin of darbies

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

Example Sentences

The great escapist simply banged the darbies on the pillar and walked off.

From Time Magazine Archive

To twig the darbies; to knock off the irons.

From 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue by Grose, Francis

Being a bit to the good in strength, and knowing something about the game, downed him after a while and got the darbies on him.

From The Gem Collector by Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)

"Now, my lad," he said, sternly, "just find the key of these darbies and unlock us."

From The Wreck of the Titan or, Futility by Robertson, Morgan

To twig the darbies, to knock of the irons.

From The Surprising Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew King of the Beggars; containing his Life, a Dictionary of the Cant Language, and many Entertaining Particulars of that Extraordinary Man by Unknown