Cut, n.
1. An opening made with an edged instrument; a cleft; a gash; a slash; a wound made by cutting; as, a sword cut.
2. A stroke or blow or cutting motion with an edged instrument; a stroke or blow with a whip.
3. That which wounds the feelings, as a harsh remark or criticism, or a sarcasm; personal discourtesy, as neglecting to recognize an acquaintance when meeting him; a slight.
Rip called him by name, but the cur snarled, snapped his teeth, and passed on. This was an unkind cut indeed. --W. Irving.
4. A notch, passage, or channel made by cutting or digging; a furrow; a groove; as, a cut for a railroad.
This great cut or ditch Secostris . . . purposed to have made a great deal wider and deeper. --Knolles.
5. The surface left by a cut; as, a smooth or clear cut.
6. A portion severed or cut off; a division; as, a cut of beef; a cut of timber.
It should be understood, moreover, . . . that the group are not arbitrary cuts, but natural groups or types. --Dana.
7. An engraved block or plate; the impression from such an engraving; as, a book illustrated with fine cuts.
8. (a) The act of dividing a pack cards. (b) The right to divide; as, whose cut is it?
9. Manner in which a thing is cut or formed; shape; style; fashion; as, the cut of a garment.
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut. --Shak.
10. A common work horse; a gelding. [Obs.]
He'll buy me a cut, forth for to ride. --Beau. & Fl.
11. The failure of a college officer or student to be present at any appointed exercise. [College Cant]
12. A skein of yarn.
13. Lawn Tennis, etc. A slanting stroke causing the ball to spin and bound irregularly; also, the spin so given to the ball.
14. Cricket A stroke on the off side between point and the wicket; also, one who plays this stroke.
A cut in rates Railroad, a reduction in fare, freight charges, etc., below the established rates.
A short cut, a cross route which shortens the way and cuts off a circuitous passage.
The cut of one's jib, the general appearance of a person. [Colloq.]
To draw cuts, to draw lots, as of paper, etc., cut unequal lengths.
Now draweth cut . . .
The which that hath the shortest shall begin. --Chaucer.