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: 1898
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HAAG, n., v. Also hag (Jak.).
I. n. Order, good management (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1956); hence thrift, economy (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., Sh. 1956). Phr. to have ne haag wi' one's wark, to perform a task carelessly, without regard to consequences (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). Hence derivs.: (1) ha(a)gless, haglos, careless, lavish, wasteful (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1956). Also fig., boundless, illimitable (Jak., Angus); (2) ha(a)gli, orderly, tidy, careful, convenient (Ib.). Also used adv. (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).(1) Sh. 1898 “Junda” Klingrahool 51:
Set oot upon a haagless sea Ta flot, or sink for want o bowes.
II. v. To manage well, be economical, to save (Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 207, Sh. 1956). Phr. to hag and hain, to scrimp and save (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).
[Norw. dial. hag, order, management, haga, to arrange, manage, O.N. haga, id.]
