Kilkenny cats


plural noun
  1. a pair of proverbial cats in Ireland who fought until only their tails were left.

Origin of Kilkenny cats

1
First recorded in 1815–25

Words Nearby Kilkenny cats

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use Kilkenny cats in a sentence

  • And a gang of tough kids sprang up called the "Kilkenny cats," with which my gang used to fight.

    Tramping on Life | Harry Kemp
  • Unless something had been done the fight would have ended very much like the proverbial one of the Kilkenny cats.

  • The celebrated Kilkenny cats, through their tumultuous congress, cleaving the ear of Night, could they be said to do nothing?

    Past and Present | Thomas Carlyle
  • It would make Macduff fall into the arms of Macbeth; it would tranquillize the Kilkenny cats themselves!

    Robinetta | Kate Douglas Wiggin
  • If that were accomplished some prophesied that its members would but emulate the fame of the Kilkenny cats.

    Ireland In The New Century | Horace Plunkett