jag
jag Lexical Profile
jag Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A spell or bout of unrestrained indulgence in an activity, emotion, or state (such as crying or drinking).
"After hearing the disappointing news, she went on a long crying jag before regaining her composure."
A sharp, tooth-like projection, point, or notch, such as on a rock or a torn edge.
"He caught his jacket sleeve on a sharp jag of metal protruding from the fence."
Scottish A sharp prick, stab, or medical injection (such as a vaccination).
"The nurse reminded him to book his appointment for the annual flu jag before winter arrived."
• verb
To prick, stab, or pierce with a sharp point; to cut or tear unevenly so as to leave jagged edges.
"The thorny brambles jagged his bare arms as he cleared the overgrown garden path."
To move or turn sharply and abruptly in a new direction.
"The narrow hiking trail jags sharply to the left just before reaching the ridge."
• Rhymes for jag
Word Origin & Etymology
Dating back to the late 14th century as Middle English 'jagge' (meaning a slash in a garment or a sharp point), the word is of uncertain, likely expressive or imitative origin. The informal sense of a bout of drinking or emotional indulgence emerged in 19th-century American slang from an older dialect sense meaning a small load of hay or liquor.