cuff Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the lap consisting of a turned-back hem encircling the end of the sleeve or leg
    turnup.
  2. noun shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairs
    handlock; handcuff; manacle.
  3. verb hit with the hand
    whomp.
  4. verb confine or restrain with or as if with manacles or handcuffs
    manacle; handcuff.
    • The police handcuffed the suspect at the scene of the crime

WordNet

Cuff transitive verb
Etymology
Cf. Sw. kuffa to knock, push,kufva to check, subdue, and E. cow, v. t.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Cuffed present participle & verbal noun Cuffing
Definitions
  1. To strike; esp., to smite with the palm or flat of the hand; to slap.
    I swear I'll cuff you, if you strike again. Shak.
    They with their quills did all the hurt they could, And cuffed the tender chickens from their food. Dryden.
  2. To buffet. "Cuffed by the gale." Tennyson.
Cuff intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To fight; to scuffle; to box.
    While the peers cuff to make the rabble sport. Dryden.
Cuff noun
Definitions
  1. A blow; esp.,, a blow with the open hand; a box; a slap.
    Snatcheth his sword, and fiercely to him flies; Who well it wards, and quitten cuff with cuff. Spenser.
    Many a bitter kick and cuff. Hudibras.
Cuff noun
Etymology
Perh. from F. coiffe headdress, hood, or coif; as if the cuff were a cap for the hand. Cf. Coif.
Definitions
  1. The fold at the end of a sleeve; the part of a sleeve turned back from the hand.
    He would visit his mistress in a morning gown, band,short cuffs, and a peaked beard. Arbuthnot.
  2. Any ornamental appendage at the wrist, whether attached to the sleeve of the garment or separate;especially, in modern times, such an appendage of starched linen, or a substitute for it of paper, or the like.

Webster 1913