Kilkenny cats

plural noun

a pair of proverbial cats in Ireland who fought until only their tails were left.

First recorded in 1815–25

And a gang of tough kids sprang up called the "Kilkenny Cats," with which my gang used to fight.

Unless something had been done the fight would have ended very much like the proverbial one of the Kilkenny cats.

The celebrated Kilkenny Cats, through their tumultuous congress, cleaving the ear of Night, could they be said to do nothing?

It would make Macduff fall into the arms of Macbeth; it would tranquillize the Kilkenny cats themselves!

If that were accomplished some prophesied that its members would but emulate the fame of the Kilkenny cats.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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