a. [ From Rag, n. ] 1. Rent or worn into tatters, or till the texture is broken; as, a ragged coat; a ragged sail. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Broken with rough edges; having jags; uneven; rough; jagged; as, ragged rocks. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Hence, harsh and disagreeable to the ear; dissonant. [ R. ] “A ragged noise of mirth.” Herbert. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Wearing tattered clothes; as, a ragged fellow. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Rough; shaggy; rugged. [ 1913 Webster ] What shepherd owns those ragged sheep? Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
Ragged lady (Bot.), the fennel flower (Nigella Damascena). --
Ragged robin (Bot.), a plant of the genus Lychnis (Lychnis Flos-cuculi), cultivated for its handsome flowers, which have the petals cut into narrow lobes. --
Ragged sailor (Bot.), prince's feather (Polygonum orientale). --
Ragged school, a free school for poor children, where they are taught and in part fed; -- a name given at first because they came in their common clothing. [ Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
-- Rag"ged*ly, adv. -- Rag"ged*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
