[f. LAG v.2 + -ING2.] That lags; behindhand, lingering, loitering, tardy.
1593. Shaks., Rich. II., I. iii. 214. Foure lagging Winters, and foure wanton springs End in a word.
1655. Fuller, Ch. Hist., V. i. § 4. The lagging money which was last sent thither.
1697. Dryden, Virg. Past., VIII. 25. Come, Lucifer, drive on the lagging Day.
1735. Somerville, Chase, I. 280. A lagging Line Of babling Curs [shall] disgrace thy broken Pack.
1813. Scott, Trierm., III. xxxiii. A lofty lay Seem’d thus to chide his lagging way.
1832. Ht. Martineau, Demerara, i. 6. The slaves came with a lagging step.
1859. G. Meredith, R. Feverel, xxxiii. The eager woman hastened his lagging mouth.
Hence Laggingly adv.
c. 1817. Hogg, Tales & Sk., III. 50. Moves heavily and laggingly along.
1872. Lever, Ld. Kilgobbin, xxxvi. (1875), 210. Thoughts that came laggingly.
