Definition of the word cuff

The word "cuff" derives from the Old Norse word "hoftha," which means "embrace." The term was originally applied to the tight-fitting sleeve on a man's shirt or jacket that surrounds the wrist, similar to how a person would embrace their wrist. This usage can be traced back to the 16th century. In the 19th century, the term "cuff" came to refer specifically to the lined fabric fold at the end of a pants leg that is fastened around the ankle with a button or a snap. This usage seems to have arisen as a way to prevent the pants from slipping off the wearer's ankle. Today, the word "cuff" is most commonly associated with wristbands and sleeves, but its Old Norse origins illustrate its broader, historical meaning as a term for any type of garment or accessory that embraces, surrounds, or clasps a body part in a tight, protective manner.