Dictionary

scrag end en · NOUN

Meanings

1. (countable, uncountable) A cheap primal cut of lamb or mutton that comes from the forepart of the neck and is typically used in soups or stews.
2. (countable, uncountable) The scraps of something; the leftover bits.
   • By classifying van Niekerk's food on a par with scrag ends of cheese and half-tins of sardines, we managed to eat a surprising number of omelets of a surprising number of varieties: caviare omelet, grouse omelet, roll-mop omelet, almost anything that could be chopped up and served between folds of egg was added to the list . 1984, Rory Barnes, The Bomb-monger's Daughter, page 198:
   • Perhaps they did not get rid of scrag ends, the damaged notes that are kept in bank tills. 2003, Antiquarian Book Monthly - Volume 30, page 14:
3. (countable, uncountable) The less desirable part of something.
   • He makes strong rope and may you be hanged in the scrag end of it! 1936, Elizabeth Maury Coombs, Cardinal Sins, page 27:
   • The Lord Holders send the scrag ends of their own herds for the dragons' herds. 1992, Jody Lynn Nye, The Dragonlover's Guide to Pern, page 101:
   • The scrag end of Europe! 2014, Peter Hennessy, The Secret State: Preparing For The Worst 1945, page 2010:
4. (countable, uncountable) A person who is old and weak or useless.
   • One of his favourite " tips " to me was " Pay for brains, my boy, let the others have the scrag ends, and always let your vehicles be an advertisement to your Stores " 1945, Harry C. Jones, Ben Jones: a great co-operator : his life according to his son, page 122:
   • "Don't tell me," Lewton said through his open window. “Pugh wants us to pick up the scrag ends?” 2016, Paul Finch, The Incident at North Shore:

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