a short cut

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.
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   2. A stroke or blow or cutting motion with an edged
      instrument; a stroke or blow with a whip.
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   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.
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            Rip called him by name, but the cur snarled, snapped
            his teeth, and passed on. This was an unkind cut
            indeed.                               --W. Irving.
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   4. A notch, passage, or channel made by cutting or digging; a
      furrow; a groove; as, a cut for a railroad.
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            This great cut or ditch Secostris . . . purposed to
            have made a great deal wider and deeper. --Knolles.
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   5. The surface left by a cut; as, a smooth or clear cut.
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   6. A portion severed or cut off; a division; as, a cut of
      beef; a cut of timber.
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            It should be understood, moreover, . . . that the
            group are not arbitrary cuts, but natural groups or
            types.                                --Dana.
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   7. An engraved block or plate; the impression from such an
      engraving; as, a book illustrated with fine cuts.
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   8.
      (a) The act of dividing a pack cards.
      (b) The right to divide; as, whose cut is it?
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   9. Manner in which a thing is cut or formed; shape; style;
      fashion; as, the cut of a garment.
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            With eyes severe and beard of formal cut. --Shak.
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   10. A common work horse; a gelding. [Obs.]
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             He'll buy me a cut, forth for to ride. --Beau. &
                                                  Fl.
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   11. The failure of a college officer or student to be present
       at any appointed exercise. [College Cant]
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   12. A skein of yarn. --Wright.
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   13. (Lawn Tennis, etc.) A slanting stroke causing the ball to
       spin and bound irregularly; also, the spin so given to
       the ball.
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   14. (Cricket) A stroke on the off side between point and the
       wicket; also, one who plays this stroke.
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   {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.
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            Now draweth cut . . .
            The which that hath the shortest shall begin.
                                                  --Chaucer.
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