peg

peg [peg]

n.

[ME pegge, prob. < LowG source, as in Du peg, wooden plug < IE base * bak-, staff > L baculum, stick]

1. a short, usually tapering or pointed piece of wood, metal, etc. used to hold parts together or in place, or to close an opening, as in a barrel

2. a projecting pin or bolt used to hang things on, fasten ropes to, mark degrees of measurement or keep the score in a game, etc.

3.

a) the distance between pegs

b) a step or degree

c) a fixed level, as for a price

4. any of the pins which hold, and are used in regulating the tension of, the strings of a violin or other stringed instrument

5. a point or prong for tearing, hooking, etc.

6. a point of reference, esp. an excuse or reason

7. Informal the foot or leg

8. Informal an act or instance of throwing; esp., a hard, accurate throw from a baseball fielder

9. Brit. CLOTHESPIN

10. [Brit. Informal] a drink, esp. of brandy or whiskey and soda

vt.

pegged, pegging

1. to put a peg or pegs into so as to fasten, secure, mark, etc.

2. to mark (a boundary, claim, etc.) with pegs: usually with out

3. to strike with a peg so as to pierce or hook

4. to maintain (prices, etc.) at a fixed level

5. to score (points) in cribbage during the play of a hand

6. Informal to give support, relevance, or perspective to (an idea, news story, etc.) by relating it to something else

7. Informal to identify or categorize [pegged him as a man of action]

8. Informal to throw; esp., to throw forcefully [to peg a ball to first base]

vi.

1. to score points in cribbage during the play of a hand

2. to move energetically or quickly: usually with down, along, etc.

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off the peg

[Chiefly Brit.] READY-MADE

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peg away at or peg away

to work steadily and persistently (at)

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round peg in a square hole

a person in a position, situation, etc. for which he or she is unsuited or unqualified: also square peg in a round hole

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take down a peg

to lower the pride or conceit of; humble or dispirit