Cut (kŭt), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cut; p. pr. & vb. n. Cutting.] [OE. cutten, kitten, ketten; prob. of Celtic origin; cf. W. cwtau to shorten, curtail, dock, cwta bobtailed, cwt tail, skirt, Gael. cutaich to shorten, curtail, dock, cutach short, docked, cut a bobtail, piece, Ir. cut a short tail, cutach bobtailed. Cf. Coot.] 1. To separate the parts of with, or as with, a sharp instrument; to make an incision in; to gash; to sever; to divide.
You must cut this flesh from off his breast.
Shak.
Before the whistling winds the vessels fly,
With rapid swiftness cut the liquid way.
Pope.
2. To sever and cause to fall for the purpose of gathering; to hew; to mow or reap.
Thy servants can skill to cut timer.
2. Chron. ii. 8
3. To sever and remove by cutting; to cut off; to dock; as, to cut the hair; to cut the nails.