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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BADGER, v. To beat, thrash.Fif. 1825 Jam.2:
“Badger the loon,” a common expression when the herd, or any younker, is reckoned worthy of correction. vbl.n. badgeran, a beating.n.Sc. 1898 W.G. in E.D.D.:
He got a badgeran he winna seen forget.

[An extension of St.Eng. badger, in the sense of to harry and persecute, to pester or worry; derived from the peculiarly relentless hunting or baiting to which the badger or brock was and occas. is still subjected.]

1412

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