I. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, alteration of sprig
obsolete : a small nail : brad
II. ˈprig verb
( prigged ; prigged ; prigging ; prigs )
transitive verb
[origin unknown]
chiefly Britain : steal , filch , pilfer
intransitive verb
1. chiefly Scotland : to haggle about or over something : quibble over money or price : drive a hard bargain
2. chiefly Scotland : entreat , plead , beg
III. noun
1. obsolete : tinker
2. : thief , pilferer
IV. noun
Etymology: probably from prig (III)
1. archaic : fellow , person
2. archaic : fop , buck , dandy
3.
a. : a notably or excessively punctilious person
b. obsolete : a nonconformist minister ; broadly : puritan
4. : one who offends or irritates by obvious or rigid observance of the proprieties (as in speech, manners, or conduct) : one self-sufficient in virtue, culture, or propriety often in a pointed manner or to an obnoxious degree
V. adjective
: priggish