The term CUT IN A TALLY STICK is a crossword solution for the word NOTCH, which is a five-letter word. NOTCH is defined as a V-shaped indentation or slit in a surface, typically one made to hold two objects together. This term is often used in reference to a tally stick, which is an ancient counting device consisting of a notched piece of wood or bone. The tally stick was used to keep track of transactions by cutting notches into the stick, and then splitting it in half.