CULLING, or CULING, stealing from the carriages on race-courses.
CUPBOARD HEADED, an expressive designation of one whose head is both
wooden and hollow.—_Norfolk._
CURE, an odd person; a contemptuous term, abridged from CURIOSITY—which
was formerly the favourite expression.—Compare STIPE.
CURSE OF SCOTLAND, the Nine of Diamonds. Various hypotheses have
been set up as to this appellation—that it was the card on which the
“Butcher Duke” wrote a cruel order with respect to the rebels after the
battle of Culloden; that the diamonds are the nine lozenges in the arms
of Dalrymple, Earl of Stair, detested for his share in the Massacre
of Glencoe; that it is a corruption of _Cross of Scotland_, the nine
diamonds being arranged somewhat after the fashion of a St. Andrew’s
Cross; but the most probable explanation is, that in the game of Pope
Joan the nine of diamonds is the POPE, of whom the Scotch have an
especial horror.
CURTAIL, to cut off. _Originally a cant word, vide Hudibras, and
Bacchus and Venus_, 1737.
CUSHION THUMPER, polite rendering of TUB THUMPER, a clergyman, a
preacher.
CUSTOMER, synonymous with CHAP, a fellow; “a rum CUSTOMER,” _i.e._, an
odd fish, or curious person.—_Shakespere._
CUSTOMHOUSE OFFICER, an aperient pill.
CUT, to run away, move off quickly; to cease doing anything; CUT AND
RUN, to quit work, or occupation, and start off at once; to CUT DIDOES,
synonymous with to CUT CAPERS; CUT A DASH, make a show; CUT A CAPER, to
dance or show off in a strange manner; CUT A FIGURE, to make either a
good or bad appearance; CUT OUT, to excel, thus in affairs of gallantry
one Adonis is said to “_cut the other out_” in the affections of the
wished for lady; CUT THAT! be quiet, or stop; CUT OUT OF, done out of;
CUT OF ONE’S GIB, the expression or cast of his countenance [_see_
GIB]; TO CUT ONE’S COMB, to take down a conceited person, from the
practice of cutting the combs of capons [_see_ COMB-CUT]; CUT AND COME
AGAIN, plenty, if one cut does not suffice, plenty remains to “come
again;” CUT UP, mortified, to criticise severely, or expose; CUT UP
SHINES, to play tricks; CUT ONE’S STICK, to be off quickly, _i.e._,
be in readiness for a journey, further elaborated into AMPUTATE YOUR
MAHOGANY [_see_ STICK]; CUT IT FAT, to exaggerate or show off in an
extensive manner; to CUT UP FAT, to die, leaving a large property; CUT
UNDER, to undersell; CUT YOUR LUCKY, to run off; CUT ONE’S CART, to
expose their tricks; CUT AN ACQUAINTANCE, to cease friendly intercourse
with them—_Cambridge._ _Old_; CUTTE, to say.
CUT, in theatrical language, means to strike out portions of a dramatic
piece, so as to render it shorter for representation. A late treasurer
of one of the so called _Patent Theatres_, when asked his opinion of
a new play, always gave utterance to the brief, but safe piece of
criticism, “_wants_ CUTTING.”
CUT, tipsey.—_Household Words_, No. 183.
CUT, to compete in business.
CUT-THROAT, a butcher, a cattle slaughterer; a ruffian.
CUTE, sharp, cunning. Abbreviation of ACUTE.