Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SNITCHER, n., v. Also snatcher in n. only.
I. n. In pl.: handcuffs (Sc. 1860 J. C. Hotten Dict. Slang; Inv. 1900; Mry., Slg., Lnl., wm. and sm.Sc. 1971).Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr. Duguid 168:
Sanny Facht the polisman never had the snitchers in his pooch.Lnk. 1895 A. G. Murdoch Readings II. 20:
Jock once more threateningly shook the legal ‘snitchers' at her.wm.Sc. 1911 H. Foulis Para Handy 188:
When he would put the snitchers on you, you would think it wass a shillin' he wass slippin' in your hand.Arg.1 1934:
One of the commonest expressions about resisting or unruly offenders was “Owld Peter put the snatchers on him.”
¶II. v. tr. To handcuff, to put handcuffs on (a person).Lnk. 1877 W. McHutchison Poems 141:
The game's begun, the gents in blue Snitcher a squad.
