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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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About this entry:
First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Clag, n. Also: clagg, claig, clage. [f. Clag v. Also northern e.m.E. (1641).]

1. A claim against a holder of property. Freq. associated with claim. 1592 Stirlings of Keir 432.
The said Schir Archibald may peaceblie bruik the saidis landis, without hynder or clagg 1592 Edinb. Test. XXIV. 214.
That the samyn [guidis and geir] remane with him as his awin proper but clag or clame of me or onie of myne 1603 Orkn. & Shetl. Rec. I. 225.
All wther claggis, clameis, perellis [etc.] 1660 Melrose R. Rec. I. 282.
Efter compt and reckining … all clages and clames wes quet be Thomas Caldclewch to Broadwoodscheill 1669 Grant Chart. 247.
All debates, … questiones, clages, clames … happening to arryse betuixt any two or moe persones 1696 Coll. Ayr & W. IV. 194.
All [are] decerned to pay the same … reserveing compensatione of quhat [was] gotten without clagges

2. A tag of vice or evil repute. 1596 Dalr. II. 97/17.
The Erles … entered in the kingis tent, and in his presence sparet nocht his vices and clags of his lyfe baldlie to declare Ib. II. 169/18.
The Erle fled in Ingland, for some clags layd tii his chairge

3. A point causing difficulty or hesitation. 1639 Baillie I. 179.
An advertance that in the oath of intrants, … there be no clagg to trouble their conscience