jag

¹ American  

[jag] / dʒæg /

noun

1. a sharp projection on an edge or surface.

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verb (used with object)

jagged, jagging

1. to cut or slash, especially in points or pendants along the edge; form notches, teeth, or ragged points in.

verb (used without object)

jagged, jagging

1. to move with a jerk; jog.

jag ² American  

[jag] / dʒæg /

noun

1. a period of unrestrained indulgence in an activity; spree; binge.

   a crying jag; a talking jag.

2. a state of intoxication from liquor.

3. Northern, North Midland, and Western U.S. a load, as of hay or wood.

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J.A.G. ³ American  

Or JAG

abbreviation

1. Judge Advocate General.

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jag ¹ British  

/ dʒæɡ /

verb

1. (tr) to cut unevenly; make jagged

2. to catch (fish) by impaling them on an unbaited hook

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noun

1. an informal word for jab jab

noun

1. a jagged notch or projection

jag ² British  

/ dʒæɡ /

noun

1. 1. intoxication from drugs or alcohol

   2. a bout of drinking or drug taking

2. a period of uncontrolled activity

   a crying jag

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Jag ³ British  

/ dʒæɡ /

noun

1. informal a Jaguar car: often understood as a symbol of affluence

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JAG ⁴ British  

abbreviation

1. Judge Advocate General

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Other Word Forms

• jagless adjective

Etymology

Origin of jag¹

1350–1400; late Middle English jagge (noun), jaggen (v.), of obscure origin

Origin of jag²

1590–1600; perhaps originally load of broom or furze (compare Old English ceacga broom, furze)

Example Sentences

Since its buying jag began, the company has filed suit in federal court against a group of families the firm purchased property from, seeking $510 million.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 31, 2023

For a moment, I wondered whether there might be some new subtlety in nuclear-deterrence strategy, or some strange jag in Russian military thinking, that might rebut my conclusion.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2023

When state lawmakers gathered this past week to fight about guns, they ended up going off on a jag about something else entirely:

From Seattle Times • Mar. 11, 2023

The public health expert urged those eligible to get a flu jag and asked people to ensure they are up to date with Covid booster vaccines.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2022

“Maybe when that boy is mowing the front I’ll come over,” Biddy say, and I could see a cryin’ jag about to commence.

From "Girls Like Us" by Gail Giles