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

Mike," said the man in the derby, "put th' darbies on th' Sneak.

From The Voice in the Fog by MacGrath, Harold

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

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

The next instant the darbies were on her tender wrists, and we will add that no resistance was offered.

From Cad Metti, The Female Detective Strategist Dudie Dunne Again in the Field by Halsey, Harlan Page