subs. (common).—The hands. For synonyms, see BUNCH OF FIVES and DADDLE.
1879. J. W. HORSLEY, ‘Autobiography of a Thief,’ in Macmillan’s Magazine, XL., 501. So I said I would not go at all if he put his DUKES (hands) on me.
1888. Licensed Victuallers’ Gazette, 27 Jan., p. 55, 3. The men … put up their DUKES to fight for supremacy.
TO GREASE THE DUKES, verb. phr. (common).—To bribe; also to pay.
1883. J. W. HORSLEY, Jottings from Jail. I went to him and asked him if he was not going TO GREASE MY DUKE.
TO PUT UP THE DUKES, verb. phr. (common).—To put up one’s hands for combat.
1885. Home Tidings, p. 369. ‘Boxing Club Report.’ The two contestants PUT UP THEIR DUKES, and soon warmed up to their work.
