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.
SCRAG, n. Variant of the commoner Scrog, q.v., a gnarled or stunted tree or tree-stump (Ags., Per. 1969); specif. a crab-apple tree or its fruit, also scrag-aipple (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.- B.). Adj. scraggie, covered with scrub.Ags. 1880 Brechin Advert. (23 March) 3:
Methinks I see our trystin' tree Beside the scraggie brae.m.Sc. 1927 J. Buchan Witch Wood xv.:
Objects stood up in it [fog] in unfamiliar outlines — a scrag of rowan like a forest tree.
