rag
1 (răg)
[Middle English ragge, from Old English* ragg, from Old Norse* rögg, woven tuft of wool.]
noun
- A scrap of cloth.
- A piece of cloth used for cleaning, washing, or dusting.
- Threadbare or tattered clothing.
- Cloth converted to pulp for making paper.
- A scrap; a fragment.
- Slang A newspaper, especially one specializing in sensationalism or gossip.
- The stringy central portion and membranous walls of a citrus fruit.
idioms
- on the rag
- Menstruating. Irritable; grouchy.
rag
2 (răg)
[Origin unknown.]
transitive verb: ragged, rag·ging, rags.
- Slang To tease or taunt. See synonyms at banter
- Slang To berate; scold.
- Chiefly British To play a joke on.
- Sports In ice hockey, to maintain possession of (the puck) by outmaneuvering opposing players, especially so as to kill a penalty.
noun
Chiefly British- A practical joke; a prank.
rag
3 (răg)
[Origin unknown.]
noun
- A roofing slate with one rough surface.
- Chiefly British A coarsely textured rock.
rag
4 (răg)
[Perhaps from ragged.]
transitive verb: ragged, rag·ging, rags.
- To compose or play (a piece) in ragtime.
noun
- A piece written in ragtime.
