Etymology: Origin uncertain. Perhaps a variant of sprig n.¹, although this is also of unknown origin; perhaps further related to prag n.¹ Perhaps compare also earlier prick n.Earlier currency may be implied by post-classical Latin priggum (1288, 1395 in British sources), priggius (1225 in a British source), in the same sense.

Etymology: Origin unknown. Compare earlier pig n.²

Etymology: Origin unknown. With branch A. I. compare prig v.¹, prigger n.¹, prigman n., and perhaps also prig v.², prigger n.² The sense development of branch A. II. is problematic, and it may show a word of separate origin; with sense A. 3 perhaps compare earlier prick v. 13, prick-me-dainty n.The collocation prince prig , prince of prigs is attested from the 17th cent. in the sense ‘master thief’; compare quot. 1651 at sense A. 2 and also:a1640 J. Fletcher et al. Beggers Bush ii. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Kk3^v/2 Thankes to Prince Prig, Prince Ferret.1665 R. Head Eng. Rogue I. v. 37 I met with one..deriving his Pedegree in a direct line from Prince Prigg.1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew Prince Prig, c. a King of the Gypsies, also a Top-Thief or Receiver General.It is uncertain whether the following example shows sense A. 3 or sense A. 4a:1675 C. Cotton Burlesque upon Burlesque 136 For her Brother, that Prince Prigg, For all his dainty sanded Wigg. The following passage plays on the word as corresponding to the initial letters of proud ignorance:1684 R. Baxter Acct. Twelve Arguments 29 in Catholick Communion Defended The worldly PR. IGs. and the unruly PR. IGs. by Persecution, and by causeless Separation and Alienation, have done the hurt.

Etymology: Origin uncertain. With branch I. compare prig n.³, prigger n.¹, prigman n. and perhaps also prig v.², prigger n.² The sense development of branch II. is problematic; it may show a distinct word, perhaps < Dutch regional (Flanders) prigen to strive, struggle, to take a stand against (14th cent. in Middle Dutch), of uncertain origin.For possible earlier use in branch II. see prig-penny v. and discussion at that entry. Sense 4 has been compared with Italian pregare pray v., but a connection is unlikely, and it more probably shows a semantic development within Scots.

Etymology: Probably a variant of prick v. (compare forms at that entry).

Etymology: Origin and sense uncertain. Perhaps < prig n.³, or perhaps a specific use of either prig v.¹ or prig v.²