[f. LAG v.3 + -ING1.] A sentence or term of imprisonment or penal servitude. Also attrib. (see quot. 1812).
1812. J. H. Vaux, Flash Dict., Lagging matter, any species of crime for which a person is liable on conviction to be transported…. Speaking of a person likely to be transported they say lagging dues will be concerned.
1838. Dickens, O. Twist, xliii. If they do [get fresh evidence], it’s a case of lagging.
1844. Port Phillip Patriot, 22 July, 2/6. I remained with him five years after I served my ‘lagging.’
