"Cut of one's jib"

The meaning of the Idiomatic Phrase "Cut of One's Jib" (Informal), One's appearance, demeanour, way of dressing, mien, manner.

Origins of the Phrase The Jib of a sailing ship is a triangular sail set between the fore-topmast head and the jib boom. Some ships had more than one jib sail. Each country had its own style of sail and so the nationality of a sailing ship, and a sailor's consequent opinion of it could be determined from the jib.

The phrase became used in an idiomatic way during the 19th century. Sir Walter Scott used it in St. Roman's Well, 1824 , "If she disliked what the sailor calls the cut of their jib". There may be an allusion between the triangular shape of noses and jibs in the figurative use of this phrase, but this isn't authenticated.

Portrait of Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). Sir Walter Scott was a Scottish historical novelist, playwright and poet, popular throughout much of the world during his time. His novels and poetry are still read, and many of his works remain classics of both English language literature and of Scottish literature. Famous titles include "Ivanhoe", "Rob Roy", "The Lady of the Lake Waverley", "The Heart of Midlothian" and "The Bride of Lammermοor". Reference: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cut-of-your-jib.html