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.