~ 1
■ noun
1》 an oblong piece of cloth that is raised on a pole and used as an emblem, especially of nationality.
↘a ship's ensign.
2》 a device or symbol resembling a ~, used as a marker.
3》 a small paper badge given to people who donate to a charity appeal.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ging , ~ged )
1》 mark for attention; draw attention to.
2》 direct or alert by waving a ~ or using hand signals.
↘( ~ someone down ) signal to a driver to stop.
3》 provide or decorate with a ~ or ~s.
Phrases
fly the ~ (of a ship) be registered in a particular country and sail under its ~.
↘(also show or carry or wave the ~ ) represent one's country or demonstrate one's affiliation with an organization.
put the ~s (or ~ ) out celebrate.
wrap oneself in the ~ chiefly N. Amer. make an excessive show of one's patriotism.
Derivatives
~ger noun
Origin
C16: perh. from obs. ~ 'drooping', of unknown ultimate origin.
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~ 2
■ noun a flat rectangular or square stone slab, used for paving.
Derivatives
~ged adjective
Origin
ME: prob. of Scand. origin and related to Icelandic ~ 'spot from which a sod has been cut' and ON ~a 'slab of stone'.
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~ 3
■ noun a waterside plant with long sword-shaped leaves. [ Iris pseudacorus ( yellow ~ ) and other species.]
Origin
ME: of unknown ultimate origin.
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~ 4
■ verb ( ~s , ~ging , ~ged ) become tired or less enthusiastic.
Origin
C16: related to obs. ~ 'hanging down'.