Also curly-cue, curleycue. [f. CURLY + CUE, either = F. queue tail, or the letter Q in its script form 𝑄.] A fantastic curl or twist.

1

1858.  Home Jrnl., 24 July (Farmer). Architects have a wonderful predilection for all manner of curlycues and breaks in your roof.

2

1872.  Kingsley, Madam How & Lady Why, v. 117. Sand and gravel … arranged in … waves, and festoons, and curlicues.

3

1891.  Atkinson, Moorland Parish, 176. A frolicsome letter S, with a curlicue at each termination.

4

  b.  To cut up curlicues (or carlicues): to cut capers. (Common in U.S.).

5

1841.  M’Clintock, Beedle’s Crtship., 22 (Bartlett). I … cut a curly-cue with my right foot.

6