A variant (of Scottish origin) of SCUFF, SCRUFF, in Cuff of the neck, ‘the fleshy part of the neck behind’ (Jam.); also the coat collar.
1740. in Inverness Cour., 29 Dec. 1883, 3/1. Mr. M.’s wife was drawn backwards by the cuff of the neck.
1823. Galt, R. Gilhaize, I. 81 (Jam.). Her husband … seizing his Grace by the cuff of the neck, swung him away from her with … vehemence.
a. 1873. Lytton, Ken. Chillingly, IV. x. I took him … by the cuff of the neck.
1876. Smiles, Sc. Natur., ii. (ed. 4), 29. She took hold of her son by the cuff of the neck.
