Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—F

Fag

One who does, and perseveres in doing. In public schools, it means a little boy who waits upon a bigger one. Probably a contracted form of factor, factotum; Latin, fac-ere, to do.

Fag.
Servant of Captain Absolute, who apes his master in all things. ( Sheridan: The Rivals.)

“Even the mendacious Mr. Fag assures us, though he never scruples to tell a lie at his master's command, yet it hurts his conscience to be found out.” —Sir Walter Scott.

Fag-end
(A). The selvedge or coarse end of a piece of cloth. This also is from facio, factum, meaning the part added after the piece is finished. The fag-end of a session means the last few days before dissolution.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Fagged Out
Faërie Queene
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