E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Eye-teeth.
The canine teeth are so called because their fangs extend upwards nearly to the orbits of the eyes.
1
To draw one’s eye-teeth. To take the conceit out of a person; to fleece one without mercy; to make one suffer loss without seeing the manœuvre by which it was effected.
2
“I guess these Yanks will get their eye-teeth drawn if they don’t look sharp.”—W. Hepworth Dixon: New America, vol. i.
