cadge

¹

[ kaj ]

verb (used with object)

, cadged, cadg·ing.

1. to obtain by imposing on another's generosity or friendship.
2. to borrow without intent to repay.
3. to beg or obtain by begging.

verb (used without object)

, cadged, cadg·ing.

1. to ask, expect, or encourage another person to pay for or provide one's drinks, meals, etc.
2. to beg.

cadge

²

[ kaj ]

noun

, Falconry.

1. a frame on which hawks are carried to the field.

cadge

/ kædʒ /

verb

1. to get (food, money, etc) by sponging or begging

noun

1. a person who cadges
2. on the cadge informal.
   engaged in cadging

Other Words From

• cadger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cadge¹

1275–1325; perhaps to be identified with Middle English caggen to tie, of uncertain origin

Origin of cadge²

First recorded in 1605–15; apparently variant of cage

Word History and Origins

Origin of cadge¹

C17: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

A visitor lucky enough to cadge an invitation from a member might end up in the company of a Supreme Court justice, the master of an Oxford college or the editor of a London newspaper.

From New York Times

The custom dates back more than 150 years, but was stopped in 1909 by the local constabulary, which saw the "straw bears" as a form of "cadging", or begging, for rewards.

From BBC

Instead she took a too-expensive Motel 6 room, then couch-surfed, cadged a shared hotel room with a colleague and slept some nights in the airport — which isn’t allowed, she said, but “I chanced it.”

From Seattle Times

Recent headlines about a black bear found in Disney World and a video of another cadging lunch in front of a cowering mother and child have raised fears of attacks.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s knack for mining this contrived persecution, by cadging great gobs of money from the people to pay his lifestyle expenses and legal bills, has only accelerated.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• scrounge