rag (n.)

scrap of cloth, early 14c., probably from Old Norse rögg "shaggy tuft," earlier raggw-, or possibly from Old Danish rag (see rug), or a back-formation from ragged, It also may represent an unrecorded Old English cognate of Old Norse rögg. In any case, from Proto-Germanic *rawwa-, from PIE root *reue- (2) "to smash, knock down, tear up, uproot" (see rough (adj.)).

As an insulting term for "newspaper, magazine" it dates from 1734; slang for "tampon, sanitary napkin" is attested from 1930s (on the rag "menstruating" is from 1948). Rags "personal clothing" is from 1855 (singular), American English. Rags-to-riches "rise from poverty to wealth" is attested by 1896. Rag-picker is from 1860; rag-shop from 1829.

rag (v.)

"scold," 1739, of unknown origin; perhaps related to Danish dialectal rag "grudge." Related: Ragged; ragging. Compare bullyrag, ballarag "intimidate" (1807).

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Definitions of rag from WordNet
1
rag (v.)
treat cruelly;
Synonyms: torment / bedevil / crucify / dun / frustrate
rag (v.)
cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations;
Synonyms: annoy / get to / bother / get at / irritate / rile / nark / nettle / gravel / vex / chafe / devil
rag (v.)
play in ragtime;
rag that old tune
rag (v.)
harass with persistent criticism or carping;
Synonyms: tease / razz / cod / tantalize / tantalise / bait / taunt / twit / rally / ride
rag (v.)
censure severely or angrily;
The deputy ragged the Prime Minister
Synonyms: call on the carpet / take to task / rebuke / trounce / lecture / reprimand / jaw / dress down / call down / scold / chide / berate / bawl out / remonstrate / chew out / chew up / have words / lambaste / lambast
rag (v.)
break into lumps before sorting;
rag ore
2
rag (n.)
a small piece of cloth or paper;
Synonyms: shred / tag / tag end / tatter
rag (n.)
a week at British universities during which side-shows and processions of floats are organized to raise money for charities;
Synonyms: rag week
rag (n.)
music with a syncopated melody (usually for the piano);
Synonyms: ragtime
rag (n.)
newspaper with half-size pages;
Synonyms: tabloid / sheet
rag (n.)
a boisterous practical joke (especially by college students);
From wordnet.princeton.edu