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.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Sprag v., n.2". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Apr 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/sprag_v_n2>
