Sc. Also tairge, terge. [Origin and, hence also, the sense development uncertain. Jamieson and E. D. D. start with the sense ‘to beat, strike, thrash,’ but quote no instances before 1833. (L. tergere to rub, wipe, cleanse, correct, has been suggested.) The ‘soft’ g suggests Romanic origin.]
1. trans. To question closely, cross-examine.
1786. Burns, Inventory, 41. I on the questions tairge them tightly.
1819. W. Tennant, Papistry Storm’d (1827), 213. Tairge them about it now … O’ sic ane styk untill this day We never heard a cheep!
1869. Trollope, Phineas Finn. (ed. Tauchn.), II. iii. He … had on this occasion targed two or three commissariat officers very tightly with questions respecting cabbages and potatoes.
2. To keep in strict order, look after strictly.
1814. Scott, Wav., xlii. Callum Beg … discharging the obligation, by mounting guard over the hereditary tailor of Sliochd nan Ivor; and, as he expressed himself, ‘targed him tightly’ till the finishing of the job.
1868. Trollope, Linda Tressel, i. 13. Linda … was … targed more strictly in the reading of godly books.
3. To reprimand, scold loudly; to beat, thrash.
1825. Jamieson, To Targe, Tairge, to beat, to strike, Perths.
1833. J. S. Sands, Poems, Ser. I. 105 (E.D.D.). Targed him tightly till he fell.
1861. R. Quin, Heather Lintie (1866), 165. Targe him tichtly wha debases Frail human nature.
