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Antonyms for wagging

Grammar : Verb
Spell : wag
Phonetic Transcription : wæg

Definition of wagging

Origin :
  • early 13c., "waver, vacillate, lack steadfastness," probably from a Scandinavian source (cf. Old Norse vagga "a cradle," Danish vugge "rock a cradle," Old Swedish wagga "fluctuate"), and in part from Old English wagian "move backwards and forwards;" all from Proto-Germanic *wagojanan (cf. Old High German weggen, Gothic wagjan "to wag"), probably from PIE root *wegh- "to move about" (see weigh). Meaning "to move back and forth or up and down" is from c.1300. Wagtail is attested from c.1500 as a kind of small bird (late 12c. as a surname); 18c. as "a harlot," but seems to be implied much earlier:
  • If therefore thou make not thy mistress a goldfinch, thou mayst chance to find her a wagtaile. [Lyly, "Midas," 1592]
  • Wag-at-the-wall (1825) was an old name for a hanging clock with pendulum and weights exposed.
  • verb wiggle back and forth
Example sentences :
  • Possibly they recognized the Coyote of the house-yard as she stood there wagging her tail.
  • Extract from : « Johnny Bear » by E. T. Seton
  • The idea of Turkey wagging his head in a pulpit made me laugh.
  • Extract from : « Ranald Bannerman's Boyhood » by George MacDonald
  • They were both gone, she replied, wagging her ancient head, for good.
  • Extract from : « Barnaby Rudge » by Charles Dickens
  • He was perking up his big ears and wagging his stump of a tail in front of him.
  • Extract from : « The Manxman » by Hall Caine
  • How I came to keep my tongue from wagging out the truth I scarcely know.
  • Extract from : « The Shame of Motley » by Raphael Sabatini
  • His tail is wagging when he sits, His paws are helpful baseball mitts.
  • Extract from : « FreeChildrenStories.com Collection » by Daniel Errico
  • “Nay,” said the turnspits, wagging their tails and laughing.
  • Extract from : « Boys and Girls Bookshelf (Vol 2 of 17) » by Various
  • He lifted himself, wagging his sword, showing his great silvery side.
  • Extract from : « Tales of Fishes » by Zane Grey
  • Spotty appeared at the barn door, wagging his tail engagingly.
  • Extract from : « Four Little Blossoms at Brookside Farm » by Mabel C. Hawley
  • "Just what I said all along, my boy," remarked the experienced Gerald, wagging his head sagely.
  • Extract from : « The Right Stuff » by Ian Hay

Synonyms for wagging

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019