n.
Pronunciation: ' wag
Function: verb
Inflected Form: wagged ; wag · ging
Etymology: Middle English waggen; akin to Middle High German wacken to totter, Old English wegan to move ― more at WAY
Date: 13th century
intransitive verb
1 : to be in motion : STIR
2 : to move to and fro or up and down especially with quick jerky motions
3 : to move in chatter or gossip <scandal caused tongues to wag >
4 archaic : DEPART
5 : WADDLE
transitive verb
1 : to swing to and fro or up and down especially with quick jerky motions : SWITCH <a dog wagging its tail> specifically : to nod (the head) or shake (a finger) at (as in assent or mild reproof)
2 : to move (as the tongue) animatedly in conversation
– wag · ger noun