/ · 1894 Brewer’s · R · Rig
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A piece of fun, a practical joke. The Scotch say of a man who indulges in intoxication, “He goes the rig.” The same word is applied in Scotland to a certain portion or division of a field. A wanton used to be called a rig. (French, se rigoler, to make merry.)
“He little thought when he set out
Of running such a rig.”
Cowper: John Gilpin.
Rig. To dress; whence rigged out, to rig oneself, to rig a ship, well-rigged, etc. (Anglo-Saxon, wrigan, to dress; hrœgl, a garment.)
“Jack was rigged out in his gold and silver lace, with a feather in his cap.”—LʹEstrange.
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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.
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