scrag end

noun9

1. •
   A cheap primal cut of lamb or mutton that comes from the forepart of the neck and is typically used in soups or stews.
2. •
   Cheap cut of mutton or lamb.

   • When the entire joint, with the exception of the scrag-end (which should always be taken off), is cooked, proportionate time must be allowed for it. — 2011
3. •
   The less desirable part of something.

   • He makes strong rope and may you be hanged in the scrag end of it! — 1936
4. •
   Less desirable part

   • “Indeed, sir,” he added, “it is part of my orders not to set foot on the other side of that gate myself, not for one scrag-end of a minute — 1917
5. •
   The 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
6. •
   Leftovers

   • He would not wilfully leave the scrag-ends of a property and a history without a man to take them up, and possibly bear them on to redemption ; who could tell what life might be in the stock yet ? — 1882
7. •
   A person who is old and weak or useless.

   • 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
8. •
   Old useless person

   • Welcome, ye pitiful scrag-ends of the law! — 1853
9. •
   Alternative form of scrag end.