cadge
1 Americanverb (used with object)
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to obtain by imposing on another's generosity or friendship.
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to borrow without intent to repay.
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to beg or obtain by begging.
verb (used without object)
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to ask, expect, or encourage another person to pay for or provide one's drinks, meals, etc.
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to beg.
noun
verb
noun
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a person who cadges
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informal engaged in cadging
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of cadge1
1275–1325; perhaps to be identified with Middle English caggen to tie, of uncertain origin
Origin of cadge2
First recorded in 1605–15; apparently variant of cage
Explanation
To cadge is to plead or beg for something. A hungry child might cadge an extra cookie from her dad while he's baking. When you cadge something, you wheedle or plead for it, manipulating someone into giving it to you. If you forget your lunch, you might have to cadge parts of your friend's meal, and if you don't have change for a parking meter, you might try to cadge some from a person walking by. Since the early 1800s, to cadge has meant "to beg," and while its origin is uncertain, it may come from cadger, "itinerant dealer" or "peddler."
Vocabulary lists containing cadge
The Time Machine
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Inquire Within: Synoynms for "Ask"
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The Odyssey
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You’ll probably be able to cadge a ticket on the fly at a number of venues; if not, have a snack or a drink or just relax and enjoy the vibe.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 22, 2019
One recent morning, a man dropped by Mr. Mishurov’s farmyard office to cadge a bucket of corn for his hens.
From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 23, 2018
Apparently this individual uses a variety of stories to cadge money, including claims of homelessness or a need to get to some distant city to see family.
From Washington Times • Feb. 14, 2017
If these nods to other TV shows are lazy, that’s part of ’s bravado, its brazen willingness to cadge from the best, no untended wallet safe in its presence.
From Slate • Nov. 4, 2013
After a while, she got bored and wandered off to the kitchen door, hoping to cadge a handout from Viola.
From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
