■ verb ( ~s , ~ging , ~ged )
1》 ask (someone) earnestly or humbly for something.
↘ask for (something) earnestly or humbly: he ~ged their forgiveness.
↘( ~ off ) withdraw from a promise or undertaking.
2》 ask for food or money as charity.
3》 (of a dog) sit up with the front paws raised expectantly in the hope of a reward.
Phrases
~ the question
1》 (of a fact or action) invite an obvious question or point.
2》 assume the truth of an argument or proposition to be proved, without arguing it.
~ yours Austral./NZ I ~ your pardon.
go ~ging (of an article or opportunity) be available because unwanted by others.
Origin
ME: prob. from OE bedecian , of Gmc origin.
Usage
The original meaning of the phrase ~ the question is ‘assume the truth of an argument or proposition to be proved’. To some traditionalists this is still the only correct meaning. However, over the last 100 years or so another use has arisen: ‘invite an obvious question’. This is by far the commonest use today and is widely accepted.