or dibbs, subs. (common).—Generic for money. [Said to be a corruption of diobs, i.e., diobolus, a classic coin = 21/2d. Another derivation is from the hucklebones of sheep, popularly DIBBS, used for gambling; Scots ‘chuckies.’] For synonyms, see ACTUAL and GILT. TO BRUSH WITH THE DIBS = to abscond with the cash; TO TIP OVER THE DIBS = to pay down or ‘shell out’; TO FLASH THE DIBS = to show money, etc.
1837. R. H. BARHAM, The Ingoldsby Legends (The Dead Drummer).
| One of their drummers, and one Sergeant Matcham, | |
| Had ‘BRUSH’D WITH THE DIBS,’ and they never could catch ’em. |
1842. The Comic Almanack, p. 313. Governor,—Science can’t be purchased without DIBBS. When we want subjects we must shell out.
1862. Penny Newspaper. The other informed him that if he did not TIP OVER THE DIBS he would blow his —— brains out.
1880. Punch’s Almanack, p. 7. Time to think about my outing. No DIBS yet, though, so it’s no use shouting.
1887. W. E. HENLEY, Villon’s Straight Tip to all Cross Coves. The merry little DIBBS you’ll bag.
