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lug¹

(lŭg)

1. A handle or projection used as a hold or support.

2. A lug nut.

3. Nautical A lugsail.

4. A projecting part of a larger piece that helps to provide traction, as on a tire or the sole of a boot.

5. A copper or brass fitting to which electrical wires can be soldered or otherwise connected.

6. Slang A clumsy fool; a blockhead.

[Middle English lugge, earflap, probably of Scandinavian origin.]

lug²

(lŭg)

v. lugged, lug·ging, lugs

v.tr.

1. To drag or haul (an object) laboriously.

2. To pull or drag with short jerks.

3. To cause (an engine, for example) to run poorly or hesitate: If you drive too slowly in third gear, you'll lug the engine.

v.intr.

1. To pull something with difficulty; tug.

2. To move along by jerks or as if under a heavy burden.

3. To run poorly or hesitate because of strain. Used of an engine: The motor lugs on hills.

1. Archaic

a. The act of lugging.

b. Something lugged.

2. A box for shipping fruit or vegetables.

[Middle English luggen, of Scandinavian origin.]

Lug

(l, lg) or Lugh (l)

The ancient Celtic god of artisanship and warriors. He was said to be the father of Cuchulain.

[Old Irish.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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