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shakerag. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
shakerag, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
shakerag in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
shakerag you have here. The definition of the word
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English
Etymology
From shake + rag.
Noun
shakerag (plural shakerags)
- A pauper; a bum.
1574, Jean Calvin, Sermons on Job, page 510:[…] that it is our Lords intent to trie our pacience the better, when he casteth vs after that maner into contempt, no only of those that are in authoritie & estimation, but also those that are the veriest shakerags , so as we wold in our minde thinke our selues to be assaulted rather of brute beastes than of men.
1599, Micro-cynicon: sixe snarling satyres:Well take it as they list, shakerag came in, Making no doubt but they would like of him : And twere but for his person a pretty lad Well quallified, hauing a singing trade.
2014, Laura London, A Heart Too Proud:When one of the twins said that I looked like a shakerag after a full day's dusting, I was able to laugh with her, knowing full well that I would get no scolding from Mrs. Goodbody for my grubby appearance.
Usage notes
One of the most famous uses of this term is a pun by William Kempe who, in his Kemps Nine Daies Wonder (1600) alludes to Shakespeare as "Shakerags".