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

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

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

"Oh, I'm dark, sir," was the answer; "he won't know me till I put the darbies on him."

From It Is Never Too Late to Mend by Reade, Charles

"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