Obs. In 4–5 wager. [Frequentative of WAG v.: see -ER5. Cf. WAGGLE v.; also AF. wa(l)erer = sense 1.]
1. intr. To wander, have no settled abode.
c. 1380. Wyclif, Serm., Sel. Wks. II. 154. Mannys spirit þat is wageringe aboute desiir of worldli þingis. Ibid. (1382), Hos. ix. 17. Thei shulen be wagringe in naciouns [Vulg. erunt vagi in nationibus].
a. 1425. Cursor M., 23091 (Trin.). Quen I [Christ] was wagering out of rest godely toke ȝe me to gest.
2. To stagger, totter.
1389. Wyclif, Eccles. xii. 3. Whan … the most strong men wageren [Vulg. nutabunt]. Ibid., Ecclus. xxxvii. 16. Who euere shal wageren in dercnesses, shal not togidere sorewen to thee. Ibid., Isa. xxix. 9. Bicometh alle stoneid, and wndreth: flotereth, and wagereth [Vulg. vacillate].
Hence † Waggering vbl. sb. and ppl. a.
1382. Wyclif, Ecclus. xl. 4. Enuye, noyse, wagering [Vulg. fluctuatio], and dred of deth.
c. 1430. Hymns Virg. (1867), 89. It is raþir to bileeue þe wageringe wijnde þan þe chaungeable world þat makiþ men so blinde.
