rag

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rag1 small fragment of textile material XIV; remnant, scrap XV; thing (contemptuously) regarded as such XVI. ME. ragge, perh. back-formation on ragged (-ED2) shaggy, rough XIII; of irregular or straggling shape XIV; in rags XIV — ON. rǫggvaor tufted; or on raggy (-Y1) late OE. raggig shaggy, f. *ragg — ON. rǫgg tuft or strip of fur; of unkn. orig.

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