Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SCAG, v., n.
I. v. Of fish: to become rotten by exposure to the sun or air (Mry. 1813 W. Leslie Agric. Mry. 464); transf. to lose the bloom or fresh appearance (Cai. 1957). Ppl.adj. scaggid, wrinkled, shrivelled, of the human face (Cai. 1969). Adj. scaggie, tarnished, shabby (Id.).Sc. 1825 Jam.:
A scaggit haddie, a haddock too long kept.
‡II. n. Putrid fish (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 147); a herring that has gone “off”, a small fish found in the stomach of a larger one (Sh. 1960).Sh. 1877 G. Stewart Fireside Tales 14:
Wi' a lot o' soor yoags an' ill washin' scags i' da shot o' his boat.
