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.
SPRAG, v., n.2 Also spragg, spraag(e), sprjaag. [spr(j)ɑg]
I. v. intr. 1. (1) To strut, swagger (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., spraag, 1914 Angus Gl., sprjaag). Deriv. sprager, a coxcomb; a smart young fellow (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)); (2) to boast, brag (Sh. 1880 Jam.).
2. To stretch out the legs, sprawl, spread in different directions (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).
II. n. †1. A boaster, braggart, coxcomb; one who struts, gesticulates, behaves ostentatiously (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 210, spraage, 1866 Edm. Gl., spragg, 1914 Angus Gl.).
2. A strutting or gesticulating motion in one's walk (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).
3. A good-looking, lively, clever fellow (Ib.). Obs. in Eng.
[Orig. uncertain. Poss. several different words have become confused and coalesced. Cf. Norw. sprade, to strut about, Dan. dial. sprage, to brag, Sprack, adj., and spoag, Spyog, v.]
