subs. (old).—A robber; a bully. [From committing acts of violence like those ascribed to the Mohocks; or, from cutting purses. Cotgrave translates CUTTER (or swash-buckler) by balaffreux, taillebras, fendeur de naseaux. Coles has, ‘A CUTTER (or robber), gladiator, latro.’] This ancient cant word now survives in the phrase, ‘to swear like a CUTTER.
1589. NASHE, Martin’s Months Minde in wks., vol. I., p. 152. These like lustie CUTTERS …. aduentured to lay holde fast on our purses, and like strong theeues in deed proffered to robbe vs of all our monnie.
1633. ROWLEY, A Match at Midnight, i. 1 [DODSLEY, Old Plays (REED) VII. 353]. He’s out of cash; and thou know’st, by CUTTER’S law, we are bound to relieve one another.
1663. A. COWLEY, The Cutter of Coleman Street [Title of play].
1822. SCOTT, The Fortunes of Nigel, ch. xxiii. Fifty thousand decuses, the spoils of five thousand bullies, CUTTERS, and spendthrifts.
