Reference > Brewer’s Dictionary > Dar’bies (2 syl.).

 Dap’ple.Darby and Joan. 
CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
 
Dar’bies (2 syl.).
 
Handcuffs. This is derived from “Darby and Joan,” because orginally two prisoners were linked together as Darby and Joan.   1
        “Hark ye! Jem Clink will fetch you the darbies.”—Sir W. Scott: Peveril of the Peak.
   Johnny Darbies, policemen, is a perversion of the French gensdarmes, in conjunction with the above.   2
 


 Dap’ple.Darby and Joan. 

 
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