English Dictionary

The Monthly Magazine, Or, British Register for 1798 included an explanation by a reader of how the cut was carried out in his college days in a lengthy letter to the editor, signed by the pseudonym Ansonius. In his rambling letter, Ansonius noted that when he was at college, … if a man passed an old acquaintance wittingly, without recognizing him, he was said— ‘To cut him.’ Ansonius then went on to explain the performance of the cut and noted that for a time the term to spear was used instead of to cut. However, that term did not remain long in use, and this act was generally known as the cut ever after.