The cut of one's jib

Cut 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. [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]