Definition

Noun: - The lean, bony, or inferior end of a neck of meat, especially veal: This term specifically refers to the less tender, more sinewy portion of the neck, often used for making stocks, stews, or soups due to its flavor and connective tissue.

Usage

The term "scrag end" is used to identify a specific, economical cut of meat. It is primarily a culinary term. - The recipe calls for the scrag end of veal to make a rich, gelatinous broth. - For a traditional stew, the scrag end of lamb provides excellent flavor.

Advanced Usage

• While historically associated with veal or lamb, "scrag end" can be used informally and metaphorically to describe the worst or most inferior part of something.
  • After the reorganization, our department felt like the scrag end of the company.

Variants and Related Words

• Scrag (noun): Can refer to a thin or scrawny person or animal, or to a lean cut of meat, especially from the neck.
  • The old scrag of a chicken was perfect for soup.
• Scraggy (adjective): Thin and bony; lean or scrawny.
  • The scraggy end of the meat was tough.

Synonyms

• Neck end: A more general term for the same cut of meat.
• Bony end: Descriptive of its physical characteristic.

Notes

"Scrag end" is a compound noun. Its usage outside of butchery or traditional cooking is informal and often figurative.

Noun

1. the lean end of a neck of veal