Kilkenny cats
plural noun
a pair of proverbial cats in Ireland who fought until only their tails were left.
Origin of Kilkenny cats
1First 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 KempUnless something had been done the fight would have ended very much like the proverbial one of the Kilkenny cats.
Recollections of Calcutta for over Half a Century | Montague MasseyThe celebrated Kilkenny cats, through their tumultuous congress, cleaving the ear of Night, could they be said to do nothing?
Past and Present | Thomas CarlyleIt would make Macduff fall into the arms of Macbeth; it would tranquillize the Kilkenny cats themselves!
Robinetta | Kate Douglas WigginIf that were accomplished some prophesied that its members would but emulate the fame of the Kilkenny cats.
Ireland In The New Century | Horace Plunkett
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