subs. (common).1. The fingers. BUNCH OF FIVES = the fist. Formerly also = the feet. For synonyms, see FORKS.
d. 1667. WITHER, A Love Sonnet.
Her cheeks were like the cherry | |
Her waist exceeding small, | |
The FIVES did fit her shoe. |
1836. DICKENS, Pickwick Papers, ii., 7. Smart chap that cabmanhandled his FIVES well.
1887. Judy, 18 May, p. 236. Both the men of sin handled their FIVES with almost professional dexterity.
2. (streets).A fight. [From sense 1.]