subs. (American).—A man, COVE, or CULL. Generally, but not necessarily, disparaging. [Of uncertain derivation: may be either from ‘curse’ or from ‘customer.’] For synonyms, see COVE. Also see specific use in quot., 1883.
1883. Daily Telegraph, 25 July, p. 2, col. 1. I’ll give Tom his due, and say of him that for flumoxing a CUSS (Custom House Officer) or working the weed, I don’t know any one he couldn’t give a chalk to and beat ’em.
1888. F. R. STOCKTON, Rudder Grange, ch. xii. The man that lives up this lane is a mean, stingy CUSS, with a wicked dog, and it’s no good to go there.
