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.
SHAAG, v., n. [ʃɑ:g]
I. v. To exhaust, wear out with labour (Sh. c.1860 E.D.D., Sh. 1969). Hence shaagrie, hard labour (Sh. 1904 E.D.D.).
II. n. A toil-worn person, a hard-working drudge (Sh. 1904 E.D.D.).
[Orig. uncertain. Cf. Sh. Norn shag, to chew, gnaw. Connection with Eng. dial. or slang shagged, exhausted, worn-out, seems unlikely.]
