Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
‡FAG, v.1 To fail from weariness, to flag, falter. Obs. in Eng. since 17th cent. Cf. Eng. fag, to make weary.Sc. 1721 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) I. 189:
With cutty Steps to ding their Striddle, And gar them fag.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 21:
The streams of sweat an' tears thro' ither ran, Adown her cheeks an' she to fag began.Edb. 1794 G. Robertson Ha'rst Rig xiv.:
Mony a strange tale they tell now, Of ilka thing that's rare or new, They never fag.Rxb. 1807 J. Ruickbie Wayside Cottager 178:
Thro' dub or syke she never faggit, But ran wi' speed.Hdg. 1908 J. Lumsden Th' Loudons 167:
A dizziness upo' me steals, Imagination fags, an' reels.
Hence faggie, tiring, wearisome (Abd.27 1950); †fagsum, id. (Per. 1825 Jam.); †fagsumness, tiresomeness (Ib.).Slg. 1825 Jam.:
A faggie day, one that tires or fags one by its sultriness.
