rag
.
Searchable Lemmata: ragge (ME), rag (MdE).
Alternate Forms: rage, ragges, ragghe, raggys.
Definitions and Defining Citations:
1(n.)
Garment;
a strip or scrap or fabric or clothing. In some instances, a strip used for a specific purpose, e.g. as a bandage or lappet. Most commonly with connotations of fabric scraps that are rough, worn-out or torn. Found earliest in the plural form referring to tattered garments or clothing in general (a usage still current as MdE).(circa 1390 still in current use)
Sex: Male, Female Ceremonial: No
Body Parts:
Etymological Evidence:
Speculative, uncertain. The OE word raggig (attested as raggie - see discussion at raggy) is possible evidence of an unattested *ragg. That word would be a cognate or borrowing of the Norse word giving Old Icelandic rǫgg 'tuft of fur, strip of fur shagginess', ultimately from an IE root related to Latin ruere 'churn, rough up, plough up'. The modern Scandinavian reflexes generally still pertain to animal fur or similar, while the English development pertains to fabric and clothing. Found commonly in the plural form referring to rough or tattered clothes.
WF: Borrowed into the British Isles
Etym Cog:
References:
