I like the cut of your jib!

Anyone know the origins of this old-fashioned saying?

Urban Dictionary:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cut+of+your+jib

That gives the meaning, not the origin from what I can see!

Probably it is sailing jargon.

In a single masted yacht, the jib is the sail at the front. A single masted yacht is called a Bermuda Sloop. (So, do you known what a painter is?)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bermuda_sloop

The other thing that I found out was:

You all know what a "Supermarine Spitfire" is?

I found out where the word 'Spitfire' comes from.

storm jib
Sometimes called a spitfire. A small jib made out of heavy cloth for use in heavy weather. Sometimes brightly colored.
storm sail
The storm jib and storm trysail. Small sails built from heavy cloth for use during heavy weather.
Full article >>>

The jib increases both the sail area and the effectiveness of the mainsail. The space between the jib and the mainsail, called the slot, forces the air to flow faster behind the mainsail.
Full article >>>

http://en.mimi.hu/boating/jib.html

pain·ter 2 (pntr)
n.
A rope attached to the bow of a boat, used for tying up, as when docking or towing.

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[Middle English peintour, probably from Old French pentoir, strong rope, from pendre, to hang, from Vulgar Latin *pendere, from Latin pendre; see (s)pen- in Indo-European roots.]

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/painter

In other words, I like your circumcision!