subs. (old).—1. A foolish old man. [Probably a contraction of CUFFIN (q.v.).]
1678. COTTON, Scarronides, bk. I., p. 3 (ed. 1725).
| The lustiest Carles all thereabouts, | |
| Rich CHUFFS, and very sturdy Louts. |
1708. CENTLIVRE, The Busy Body, Act i. A very extraordinary Bargain I have made truly, if she should be really in Love with this old CUFF now.
1760. COLMAN, Polly Honeycombe, in wks. (1777) IV., 38. They are just here! ten to one the old CUFF may not stay with her: I’ll pop into this closet.
2. (tailors’).—A religious man, either real or sham.
TO CUFF ANTHONY, phr.—See ANTHONY.
TO BEAT or CUFF JONAS, phr. = TO BEAT THE BOOBY or GOOSE (q.v. under BEAT).
