subs. (vulgar).—Primarily a provincialism for a tough old goose; now a vulgarism for refuse, or rubbish, or scraps and ends. The transferred sense is older than given in the N.E.D. Cf., KEG-MEG. [Brewer derives it, ‘from the Gaelic and Welsh,’ cag magu, whilst others consider it as originally a university slang term for a bad cook, κακὸς μάγειρος. The Latin magma (Pliny), = dregs or dross.] Also a plain or dirty woman.
1769. T. PENNANT, Tour in Scotland, 1774, p. 10. Vast numbers [of geese] are driven annually to London; … among them, all the superannuated geese and ganders (called here [Lincoln] CAGMAGS).
1839. The Comic Almanack, Sept., p. 188.
| But here’s the greatest grief, and sure it makes one choke to put on | |
| A libel to one’s neck, just like cheap CAG-MAG-SCRAG of mutton. |
1851–61. H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor, vol. I., p. 133. ‘Do I ever eat my own game if it’s high? No, sir, never, I couldn’t stand such CAG-MAG.’
1864. Temple Bar, vol. X., p. 185. No KAG-MAG wares are sold, no cheap articles are retailed.
