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

D’ye think the young man will kill you all three, that you must put the darbies on so tight?”

From The Poacher Joseph Rushbrook by Marryat, Frederick

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

Being a bit to the good in strength, and knowing something about the game, downed him after a while and got the darbies on him.

From The Gem Collector by Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)