staggeryadj.
/ˈstaɡəri/ colloquial.
1. Of an animal: affected with staggers.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > animal disease or disorder > disorders of cattle, horse, or sheep > [adjective] > staggers or gid
sturdya1642
turny1651
staggery1776
sturdied1807
goggly1840
1776 W. Marshall Minutes Agric. 15 Oct. (1778) I found an exceedingly fine breed [of swine] upon the Farm.—But they were staggery.
2. Liable to stagger; unsteady.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > [adjective] > having specific manner of walking > unsteady
staggering1575
tottering1801
shauchly1830
staggery1836
dotty1870
lurching1884
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > irregular movement or agitation > unsteady movement > [adjective] > reeling or staggering > liable to
staggery1836
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) xvi. 161 If I felt less like a walking brandy-bottle, I shouldn't be quite so staggery this mornin'.
1892 J. Wilkins Autobiogr. Eng. Gamekeeper 225 Before he has got a hundred yards he [sc. the poisoned dog] begins to feel very queer and staggery.
1907 C. D. Stewart Partners of Providence xxxiv. 436 A tired-out looking frame building that was as staggery as its shed.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
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adj.1776