subs. (old).—A term of familiarity or contempt: spec. a harlot (B. E. and GROSE): see TART. Hence, TO WAG THE TAIL (of women) = to wanton, to copulate: see GREENS and RIDE.
1605. SHAKESPEARE, King Lear, ii. 2. Spare my grey beard, you WAGTAIL.
1607. MIDDLETON, Michaelmas Term, iii. 1. WAGTAIL, salute them all; they are friends.
