[lag] n [prob. of Scand origin; akin to Norw dial. lagga to go slowly] (1514) 1: one that lags or is last
2. a: the act or the condition of lagging b: comparative slowness or retardation c (1): an amount of lagging or the time during which lagging continues (2): a space of time esp. between related events or phenomena: interval
3: the action of lagging for opening shot (as in marbles or billiards)
[2]lag vb lagged ; lag.ging vi (1530) 1 a: to stay or fall behind: linger, loiter b: to move, function, or develop with comparative slowness c: to become retarded in attaining maximum value
2: to slacken or weaken gradually: flag
3: to toss or roll a marble toward a line or a cue ball toward the head cushion to determine order of play ~ vt 1: to lag behind "current that ~s the voltage"
2: to pitch or shoot (as a coin or marble) at a mark syn see delay -- lag.ger n [3]lag adj (1552): last, hindmost [4]lag n [prob. of Scand origin; akin to ON logg rim of a barrel] (1672) 1: a barrel stave
2: a stave, slat, or strip (as of wood or asbestos) forming part of a covering for a cylindrical object [5]lag vt lagged ; lag.ging (1870): to cover or provide with lags [6]lag vt lagged ; lag.ging [origin unknown] (ca. 1812) 1 slang chiefly Brit: to transport or jail for crime
2. slang chiefly Brit: arrest [7]lag n (ca. 1812) 1 slang chiefly Brit a: a person transported for crime b: convict c: an ex-convict
2. slang chiefly Brit: a jail sentence: stretch