rag¹ (răg)
n.

1. 1. A scrap of cloth.
   2. A piece of cloth used for cleaning, washing, or dusting.
2. rags Threadbare or tattered clothing.
3. Cloth converted to pulp for making paper.
4. A scrap; a fragment.
5. Slang. A newspaper, especially one specializing in sensationalism or gossip.
6. The stringy central portion and membranous walls of a citrus fruit.

idiom:

on the rag Vulgar Slang.

1. Menstruating.
2. Irritable; grouchy.

[Middle English ragge, from Old English *ragg, from Old Norse *rögg, woven tuft of wool.]

rag² (răg)
tr.v., ragged, rag·ging, rags.

1. Slang. To tease or taunt. See synonyms at banter.
2. Slang. To berate; scold.
3. Chiefly British. To play a joke on.
4. Sports. In ice hockey, to maintain possession of (the puck) by outmaneuvering opposing players, especially so as to kill a penalty.

n. Chiefly British
A practical joke; a prank.

[Origin unknown.]

rag³ (răg)
n.

1. A roofing slate with one rough surface.
2. Chiefly British. A coarsely textured rock.

[Origin unknown.]

rag⁴ (răg)
tr.v., ragged, rag·ging, rags.
To compose or play (a piece) in ragtime.

n.
A piece written in ragtime.

[Perhaps from RAGGED.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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