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

The detective made up his mind to feel his man; and should he discover that the fellow really did not know him, and was dogging him, he was resolved to clap the darbies on him.

From The Dock Rats of New York by Halsey, Harlan Page

That's not in my department, I shall have the darbies on him some day.

From The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 2, May, 1851 by Various

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.

"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.]