scrag

1 of 2

noun

1
: a rawboned or scrawny person or animal
2
a
: the lean end of a neck of mutton or veal

called also scrag end

b
: neck

scrag

2 of 2

verb

scragged; scragging

transitive verb

1
a
: to execute by hanging or garroting
b
: to wring the neck of
2

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps alteration of crag entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrag was in 1542

Dictionary Entries Near scrag

Cite this Entry

“Scrag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrag. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

scrag

noun
ˈskrag
: a lean person or animal

More from Merriam-Webster on scrag

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!