or ribbon, ribband, subs. (old).—1. Money: generic. Hence, THE RIBBIN RUNS THICK (or THIN) = ‘the breeches are well lined’ (or ‘there’s little cash about’).—B. E. (c. 1696); GROSE (1785); VAUX (1812).
2. (common).—In pl. = reins: whence TO HANDLE (or FLUTTER) THE RIBBONS = to drive. See HANDLE and add quots. infra.
1837. DICKENS, Pickwick Papers (1857), 36. Give the gen’l’man the RIBBINS.
1837. R. H. BARHAM, The Ingoldsby Legends, ‘The Lay of St. Odille.’
| ’Tis the same with a lady,—if once she contrives | |
| To get hold of the RIBANDS. |
See BLUE RIBBON.
