cuff
cuff Lexical Profile
cuff Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The folded or thickened band at the end of a sleeve or the bottom of a trouser leg.
"She buttoned the left cuff of her dress shirt before heading out the door."
A metal ring used to secure a person's wrists, usually as part of a pair of handcuffs.
"The security officer quickly removed the cuffs from the cleared suspect."
A blow or slap given with an open hand.
"The dog gave the annoying fly a quick cuff with its paw."
• verb
To secure a person's wrists with handcuffs.
"The patrol officer had to cuff the trespasser for safety reasons before conducting the search."
To strike someone or something with an open hand.
"The protective bear cuffed her cub lightly to warn him away from the rushing river."
American To enter into an exclusive romantic relationship with someone, especially in anticipation of the winter season.
"He's looking to cuff someone before the holidays so he doesn't have to attend the family dinners alone."
• Rhymes for cuff
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun meaning 'end of a sleeve' originated in Middle English as 'cuffe', possibly from Medieval Latin 'cuphia' (head covering). The sense of 'striking with an open hand' likely comes from an alteration of the older word 'cluff', which is of imitative origin.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.