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