ragtag and bobtail

or rag, tag, and bobtail; tagrag and bobtail

noun

1. the riffraff; rabble:

   The ragtag and bobtail of every nation poured into the frontier in search of gold.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ragtag and bobtail¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Yesterday we made an excursion through the Gap of Dunloe, a famous gorge in the mountains around Killarney, and were set upon by the whole fraternity—ragtag and bobtail.

From Project Gutenberg

The unknown and the ragtag and bobtail of the city flung themselves on the iron grille of the choir, which they broke through, crying: “Long live the Beggar!”

From Project Gutenberg

Without the populace having any hand in it, the ragtag and bobtail of the strangers became bolder and shouted more and more.

From Project Gutenberg