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

Touching my arm, he said, "White-Jacket, this here reminds me of Sing-Sing, when a draft of fellows in darbies, came on from the State Prison at Auburn for a change of scene like, you know!"

From White Jacket or, the World on a Man-of-War by Melville, Herman

I have put the darbies on the most terrible ruffian of modern times.'

From The Exploits of Juve Being the Second of the Series of the "Fantômas" Detective Tales by Souvestre, Émile

"Do ye think I mane to let the fly cops put their darbies on me, that I should be nosin' around in the broad day?"

From Jim Cummings Or, The Great Adams Express Robbery by Pinkerton, A. Frank [pseud.]

Then he turned to the red-whiskered man, and inquired fiercely, why he hadn't put the darbies on the scoundrel.

From Bred in the Bone by Payn, James