Dictionary entry

Cue (3)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Cue, n. [From q, an abbreviation for quadrans a farthing.] A small portion of bread or beer; the quantity bought with a farthing or half farthing.

☞ The term was formerly current in the English universities, the letter q being the mark in the buttery books to denote such a portion. Nares.

Hast thou worn

Gowns in the university, tossed logic,

Sucked philosophy, eat cues?

Old Play.