Main Entry: ¹wag

Pronunciation: \ˈwag\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): 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 : waddletransitive 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