Also 9 steg. [Prob. related to STAGGER v. Cf. ON. staka to push, stagger (whence stakra STAGGER v.). The identity of the word in the various senses below is uncertain.]
† 1. intr. To stagger, waver. Obs.
1561. T. Norton, Calvin’s Inst., III. ix. 156 b. For euen the Prophete confesseth that his fete stagged.
b. ? To flinch, yield, give way. rare.
1831. Fraser’s Mag., III. 652. The House of Lords … are now making a loud clattering of their determination to stand against the bill—but it is no go. I lay you the long odds … that their Lordships stag.
2. To walk with long strides. Hence stagged-up, tired out with walking. Sc. and dial.
1823. Mactaggart, Gallovid. Encycl., 311. His ghaist … was seen by many stegging about the estate.
1866. E. Waugh, Ben an’ th’ Bantam, 66. Aw let on her [a traveller] o’ tother side Yealey Ho’; quite stagged up.
1888. Sheffield Gloss., Stag, to walk quickly.
1895. Crockett, Men of Moss-Hags, xix. Auld Anton went stegging over the hills, till I was fair driven out of my breath.
