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.
Quotation dates: 1721-1825, 1908
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‡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.