subs. (whist).—The alternate trumping by two partners of suits led for the purpose; a RUFF. Also SEE-SAW, and as verb.
1755. The Connoisseur, No. 60. A forces B, who, by leading Spades, plays into A’s hand, who returns a Club, and so they get to a SAW between them.
2. (American).—A hoax: also as adj. and verb. Fr. scie.
1847. W. T. PORTER, ed., A Quarter Race in Kentucky, etc., 68. ‘Running a SAW’ on a French gentleman.
1847. J. M. FIELD, The Drama in Pokerville, 68. The manager was ‘SAWED,’ as certainly as that Mr. Waters was not slain. Ibid. (p. 199). The thoroughly ‘SAWED’ victim made way for him as if he had been the cholera incarnate!
SAW YOUR TIMBER! phr. (common).—Be off! Cut your stick (q.v.).
HELD AT THE (or A) LONG SAW, phr. (old).—Held in suspense.
1742. R. NORTH, The Life of Lord Guildford, i. 148. Between the one and the other he was HELD AT THE LONG SAW over a month.
