scrag end

plural scrag ends · alternative scrag-end

1. countableuncountableA cheap primal cut of lamb or mutton that comes from the forepart of the neck and is typically used in soups or stews.
2. countableuncountableThe scraps of something; the leftover bits.

   Perhaps they did not get rid of scrag ends, the damaged notes that are kept in bank tills.

   2003, Antiquarian Book Monthly - Volume 30, page 14

   1 more example

   By classifying van Niekerk's food on a par with scrag ends of cheese and half-tins of sardines, we managed to eat a surprising number of omelets of a surprising number of varieties: caviare omelet, grouse omelet, roll-mop omelet, almost anything that could be chopped up and served between folds of egg was added to the list .

   1984, Rory Barnes, The Bomb-monger's Daughter, page 198

3. countableuncountableThe less desirable part of something.

   The scrag end of Europe!

   2014, Peter Hennessy, The Secret State: Preparing For The Worst 1945, page 2010

   2 more examples

   He makes strong rope and may you be hanged in the scrag end of it!

   1936, Elizabeth Maury Coombs, Cardinal Sins, page 27

   The Lord Holders send the scrag ends of their own herds for the dragons' herds.

   1992, Jody Lynn Nye, The Dragonlover's Guide to Pern, page 101

4. countableuncountableA person who is old and weak or useless.

   "Don't tell me," Lewton said through his open window. “Pugh wants us to pick up the scrag ends?”

   2016, Paul Finch, The Incident at North Shore

   1 more example

   One of his favourite " tips " to me was " Pay for brains, my boy, let the others have the scrag ends, and always let your vehicles be an advertisement to your Stores "

   1945, Harry C. Jones, Ben Jones: a great co-operator : his life according to his son, page 122