Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Darby

Dar′by

(där′by̆)
,
Noun.
A plasterer’s float, having two handles; – used in smoothing ceilings, etc.

Definition 2024


Darby

Darby

See also: darby

English

Proper noun

Darby (plural Darbys)

  1. A habitational surname.
  2. A male given name transferred from the surname.
    • 2000, David Pierce, Irish Writing in the Twentieth Century: A Reader. Cork University Press. ISBN 1859182585, page 8:
      The man whom you call Diarmaid when you speak Irish, a low, pernicious, un-Irish, detestable custom, begot by slavery, and propagated by cringing, and fostered by flunkeyism, forces you to call Jeremiah when you speak English, or as a concession, Darby.
  3. A female given name of modern usage, transferred from the surname.
    • 1992 John Grisham, The Pelican Brief, Doubleday, ISBN 0385421982, page 52:
      "You could always pick names, Thomas. I remember women you turned down because you didn't like their names. Gorgeous, hot women, but with flat names. Darby. Has a nice, erotic touch to it. What a name.

Usage notes

Used as an Anglicisation of Diarmaid in Ireland.

Quotations

  • 1735 Henry Woodfall: The Joy of Love never forgot, The Gentlemen's Magazine, March 1735, volume 5, page 153:
    Old Darby, with Joan by his side, / You've often regarded with wonder.
  • 1885 Frances Mabel Robinson, Mr. Butler's Ward, Vizetelly, page 95:
    "Theatre and saltpetre are both spelt that way, Arthur; depend upon it, it is Deirder - a sort of peasant name like Darby and Biddy, a corruption of something else."

Anagrams

darby

darby

See also: Darby

English

Noun

darby (plural darbies)

  1. A specialized tool used to finish concrete slabs. A stiff, wooden or metal wedge or triangle, it is used to smooth and level the surface of wet concrete.

Translations

Synonyms

  • derby
  • derby float
  • derby slicker

Anagrams