3. (thieves’).—To divide plunder; to share; to ‘nap the regulars.’ Cf.,
Cut up fat.
1779. R. Cumberland, Wheel of Fortune, Act iv., Sc. 3. Sir D. D. A
gentleman, who trusts to servants in his absence, is sure to be cut
up. Emily. Cut up! what’s that. Sir D. D. Why, ’tis a common
phrase.
1870. J. K., Good Words, April. ‘The Nailmakers’ Lamentation.’ Now,
what’s twelve shillings to cut up, To pay so many things.
1879. J. W. Horsley, in Macm. Mag., XL., 505. We had between sixty
and seventy quid to cut up (share).
1880. G. R. Sims, How the Poor Live. These ... were mostly ‘ramps,’
or swindles, got up to obtain the gate-money, and generally
interrupted by circumstances arranged beforehand by those who were
going to cut up the plunder.