What is a "sawbuck" and where does that term come from?

Answer by  patti (29325)

A sawbuck is an X-shaped framework used to hold wood while it being worked on. The original $10 bills had an X (Roman numeral=10) and hence, were dubbed "sawbucks."

Answer by  monkeyz (3150)

"Sawbuck" is another word for "sawhorse," which is a device used to aid in cutting wood. When the American 10 dollar bill was released, people associated the Roman numeral X (10) with the shape of a sawbuck, and "sawbuck" became slang for a 10 dollar bill.