The Nautical Encyclopedia

Patterson’s Illustrated Nautical Encyclopedia — Howard Patterson, 1891

⚓ The Superstition Locker ⚓

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Home ⚓ Letter D ⚓ Darbies

Darbies

Sea Terms

A term applied to handcuffs.

← Danger Angle All “D” entries Darks →

2026 Editor's Note: 'Darbies' — handcuffs — is thieves' cant that went to sea; Melville used it in Billy Budd. British police slang kept it alive into the twentieth century. (Ed: BR 2026-07-11)

About Historical Disclaimer Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Contact

The Nautical Encyclopedia (1891) is in the public domain; this digital edition © 2026 PhotoOpAI.