darbies

American  

[dahr-beez] / ˈdɑr biz /

plural noun

British Slang.

1. handcuffs; manacles.

---

darbies British  

/ ˈdɑːbɪz /

plural noun

1. short for handcuffs See handcuff

---

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

Here, constables, put the darbies on 'em, and take 'em back to Hobarton.'

From The Book of the Bush Containing Many Truthful Sketches Of The Early Colonial Life Of Squatters, Whalers, Convicts, Diggers, And Others Who Left Their Native Land And Never Returned by Macfarlane, J.

To twig the darbies; to knock off the irons.

From 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue by Grose, Francis

"But the darbies," said Hatteraick, looking upon his fetters.

From Guy Mannering by Scott, Walter, Sir

Melbourne ain't Paris or London, that he can afford to be so careless, and when I put the darbies on him he will be astonished.

From The Mystery of a Hansom Cab by Hume, Fergus