cuff
1
[ kuhf ]
/ kʌf /
noun
verb (used with object)
to make a cuff or cuffs on: to cuff a pair of trousers.
to put handcuffs on.
Idioms for cuff
- extemporaneously; on the spur of the moment.
- unofficially or informally: I'm telling you this strictly off the cuff.
- with the promise of future payment; on credit.
- without charge; with no payment expected: He enjoyed his meal the more because it was on the cuff.
off the cuff, Informal.
on the cuff, Slang.
Origin of cuff
1
1350–1400; Middle English
cuffe mitten; perhaps akin to Old English
cuffie cap < Medieval Latin
cuphia
coif1
Words nearby cuff
cueist,
cuenca,
cuernavaca,
cuesta,
cuevas,
cuff,
cuff button,
cuff link,
cuffe,
cuffee,
cuffing season
Definition for cuffs (2 of 2)
cuff
2
[ kuhf ]
/ kʌf /
verb (used with object)
to strike with the open hand; beat; buffet.
noun
a blow with the fist or the open hand; buffet.
Origin of cuff
2
1520–30; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Low German
kuffen, Norwegian, Swedish dialect
kuffa to push, shove
Example sentences from the Web for cuffs
British Dictionary definitions for cuffs (1 of 3)
British Dictionary definitions for cuffs (2 of 3)
cuff
1
/ (kʌf) /
noun
the part of a sleeve nearest the hand, sometimes turned back and decorative
the part of a gauntlet or glove that extends past the wrist
US, Canadian and Australian
the turned-up fold at the bottom of some trouser legs
Also called (in eg Britain): turn-up
off the cuff informal
improvised; extemporary
See also
cuffs
Word Origin for cuff
C14
cuffe glove, of obscure origin
British Dictionary definitions for cuffs (3 of 3)
cuff
2
/ (kʌf) /
verb
(tr)
to strike with an open hand
noun
a blow of this kind
Word Origin for cuff
C16: of obscure origin
Medical definitions for cuffs
cuff
[ kŭf ]
n.
A bandlike structure encircling a part.
An inflatable band, usually wrapped around the upper arm, that is used along with a sphygmomanometer in measuring arterial blood pressure.
Idioms and Phrases with cuffs
cuff
see off the cuff; on the cuff.