FAGOT OR FAGGOT
\fˈaɡət ɔː fˈaɡət], \fˈaɡət ɔː fˈaɡət], \f_ˈa_ɡ_ə_t ɔː f_ˈa_ɡ_ə_t]\
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A bundle of sticks used for fuel; a stick; anything like a fagot; a soldier numbered on the muster-roll, but not really existing; a voter who has obtained his vote expressly for party purposes; in former times heretics who had escaped the stake by recanting their errors were often made publicly to carry a fagot and burn it-hence the phrase. TO BURN ONE'S FAGOT; an imitation fagot was also worn on the sleeve by heretics, as a symbol that they had recanted opinions worthy of burning.
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Got up for a purpose, as in FAGOT VOTE.
By Daniel Lyons
Word of the day
tinctura quininae ammoniata
- A preparation made by dissolving quinin sulphate in alcohol [Br. Ph.].