rags

rag ¹  (rg)

n.

1.

a. A scrap of cloth.

b. 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.

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

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rag ²  (rg)

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.

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[Origin unknown.]

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rag ³  (rg)

n.

1. A roofing slate with one rough surface.

2. Chiefly British A coarsely textured rock.

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[Origin unknown.]

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rag ⁴  (rg)

tr.v. ragged, rag·ging, rags

To compose or play (a piece) in ragtime.

n.

A piece written in ragtime.

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[Perhaps from ragged.]

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rags [rægz]

pl n

1. torn, old, or shabby clothing

2. (Clothing, Personal Arts & Crafts / Textiles) cotton or linen cloth waste used in the manufacture of rag paper

glad rags Informal best clothes; finery

from rags to riches Informal

a.  from poverty to great wealth

b.  (as modifier) a rags-to-riches tale