the cut of one's jib
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
1.(Naut.) A triangular sail set upon a stay or halyard extending from the foremast or fore-topmast to the bowsprit or the jib boom. Large vessels often carry several jibs; as, inner jib; outer jib; flying jib; etc. [1913 Webster]
2.(Mach.) The projecting arm of a crane, from which the load is suspended. [1913 Webster]
3.One that jibs, or balks; a jibber. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
4.A stationary condition; a standstill. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Jib boom (Naut.), a spar or boom which serves as an extension of the bowsprit. It is sometimes extended by another spar called the flying jib boom. [Written also gib boom.]
Jib crane (Mach.), a crane having a horizontal jib on which a trolley moves, bearing the load.
Jib door (Arch.), a door made flush with the wall, without dressings or moldings; a disguised door.
Jib header (Naut.), a gaff-topsail, shaped like a jib; a jib-headed topsail.
Jib topsail (Naut.), a small jib set above and outside of all the other jibs.
The cut of one's jib, one's outward appearance. [Colloq.] --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]
1.An opening made with an edged instrument; a cleft; a gash; a slash; a wound made by cutting; as, a sword cut. [1913 Webster]
2.A stroke or blow or cutting motion with an edged instrument; a stroke or blow with a whip. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
Rip called him by name, but the cur snarled, snapped his teeth, and passed on. This was an unkind cut indeed.— W. Irving.[1913 Webster]
4.A notch, passage, or channel made by cutting or digging; a furrow; a groove; as, a cut for a railroad. [1913 Webster]
This great cut or ditch Secostris . . . purposed to have made a great deal wider and deeper.— Knolles.[1913 Webster]
5.The surface left by a cut; as, a smooth or clear cut. [1913 Webster]
6.A portion severed or cut off; a division; as, a cut of beef; a cut of timber. [1913 Webster]
It should be understood, moreover, . . . that the group are not arbitrary cuts, but natural groups or types.— Dana.[1913 Webster]
7.An engraved block or plate; the impression from such an engraving; as, a book illustrated with fine cuts. [1913 Webster]
8. (a) The act of dividing a pack cards. (b) The right to divide; as, whose cut is it? [1913 Webster]
9.Manner in which a thing is cut or formed; shape; style; fashion; as, the cut of a garment. [1913 Webster]
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
10.A common work horse; a gelding. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
He'll buy me a cut, forth for to ride.— Beau. & Fl.[1913 Webster]
11.The failure of a college officer or student to be present at any appointed exercise. [College Cant] [1913 Webster]
12.A skein of yarn. --Wright. [1913 Webster]
13.(Lawn Tennis, etc.) A slanting stroke causing the ball to spin and bound irregularly; also, the spin so given to the ball. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
14.(Cricket) A stroke on the off side between point and the wicket; also, one who plays this stroke. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
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. [1913 Webster]
Now draweth cut . . . The which that hath the shortest shall begin.— Chaucer.[1913 Webster]