A Dictionary of Slang, Cant, and Vulgar Words / Used at the Present Day in the Streets of London; the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge; the Houses of Parliament; the Dens of St. Giles; and the Palaces of St. James.

by John Camden Hotten

CUTE, sharp, cunning. Abbreviation of ACUTE.

CUTTER, a ruffian, a cut purse. Of Robin Hood it was said—

“So being outlawed (as ’tis told),

He with a crew went forth

Of lusty CUTTERS, bold and strong,

And robbed in the north.”

This ancient cant word now survives in the phrase, “to swear like a CUTTER.”

CUTTY PIPE, a short clay pipe. Scotch, CUTTY, short. Cutty-sark, a scantily draped lady is so called by Burns.

DAB, or DABSTER, an expert person. Johnson says, “in low language, an artist.”

DAB, a bed.