lug

lug¹

/lug/, v., lugged, lugging, n.

v.t.

1. to pull or carry with force or effort: to lug a suitcase upstairs.

2. to introduce or interject in an inappropriate or irrelevant manner: to lug personalities into a discussion of philosophy.

3. (of a sailing ship) to carry an excessive amount of (sail) for the conditions prevailing.

v.i.

4. to pull or tug laboriously.

5. (of an engine or machine) to jerk, hesitate, or strain: The engine lugs when we climb a steep hill.

n.

6. an act or instance of lugging; a forcible pull; haul.

7. a wooden box for transporting fruit or vegetables.

8. Slang. a request for or exaction of money, as for political purposes: They put the lug on him at the office.

[1300-50; ME luggen < Scand; cf. Norw lugge, Sw lugga to pull by the hair]

lug²

/lug/, n.

1. a projecting piece by which anything is held or supported.

2. a ridge or welt that helps to provide traction, as on a tire or the sole of a shoe.

3. Masonry. either of the ends of a lug sill.

4. Carpentry. (in a double-hung window) one of a pair of projections extending downward from the ends of the meeting rail of the upper sash.

5. a leather loop hanging down from a saddle, through which a shaft is passed for support.

6. Shipbuilding. clip² (def. 6).

7. Slang.

a. an awkward, clumsy fellow.

b. a blockhead.

c. a man; guy.

[1485-95; < Scand; cf. Norw, Sw lugg forelock. See LUG¹]

lug³

/lug/, n.

lugsail.

[by shortening]

lug⁴

/lug/, n.

lugworm.

[1595-1605; earlier lugg; perh. special use of LUG²]

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