to cut up shines

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To cut capers, play tricks.


A wild bull of the prairies was cutting up shines at no great distance, tearing up the sod with hoofs and horns.--Knickerbocker Mag.

What have these men been doing? asked the Recorder.

Oh, they were cutting up all kinds of shines; knocking over the ashes barrels, shying stones at lamps, kicking at doors, and disturbing the peace of the whole city.--Pickings from the Picayune, p. 61.

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