1797 C. Lamb Let. 24 June in (1975) I. 112 There is much abstruse science in it above my cut.]
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian iv, in 2nd Ser. II. 84 Robertson is rather a cut abune me.
1842 F. Marryat I. i. 5 She was..a cut above the housekeeper in the still-room.
1891 L. B. Walford xi The girl herself is a cut below par.