verbal phr. (common).—To snub; to lower conceit.
1593. G. HARVEY, Pierce’s Supererogation, in wks. II., 283. Can … loue quench, or Zeale luke-warme, or valour manicle, or, excellencie mew-vpp, or perfection geld, or supererogation COMBE-CUTT itselfe?
1608. MIDDLETON, A Trick to Catch the Old One, IV., iv. To see ten men ride after me in watchet liveries, with orange-tawny caps,—’twill CUT HIS COMB, i’ faith.
ed. 1717. NED WARD, wks. II., 302. If you prate one word more, I shall SLICE A SLIVER OFF YOUR COXCOMB, and teach you a little more manners before I’ve done with you.
1822. SCOTT, The Fortunes of Nigel, ch. ii. I will take my own time; and all the Counts in Cumberland shall not CUT MY COMB.
