I. ˈwag verb
( 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
II. noun
Date: 1589
: an act of wagging : shake
III. noun
Etymology: probably short for obsolete English waghalter gallows bird, from English wag (I) + halter
Date: circa 1553
1. : wit , joker
2. obsolete : a young man : chap