Picked their nuts for a season

Posted by Sara on February 17, 2004

Does anyone know the meaning of the following expression used in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin:
"Well", said Haley, after they had both silently picked their nuts for a season, "what do you say?"

Haley was negotiating for the sale of Tom. Even in context I cannot attach a meaning to this phrase. Thanks for any thoughts.

• Picked their nuts for a season ESC 17/February/04
  • Picked their nuts for a season sara 17/February/04
    • Picked their nuts for a season ESC 17/February/04
      • Picked their nuts for a season Bruce Kahl 17/February/04
        • Thanks ESC & Bruce: good suggestions sara 17/February/04