laggard

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Lagging behind

   Lagging behind; taking more time than the others in a group.

   • But come let's wing our Steps with utmost Speed, The swiftest Haste is laggard to the Deed.
   • O! drowsy wind of the drowsy west, Sleep, sleep, By your mountain steep, Or down where the prairie grasses sweep! Now fold in slumber your laggard wings, For soft is the song my paddle sings.
   • Between blinks Tommy saw Temple in the path, her body slender and motionless for a moment as though waiting for some laggard part to catch up.
2. 2

   Not growing as quickly as the rest of the flock or herd.

   • The laggard broilers are euthanized and incinerated.
3. 3

   One who lags behind

   One who lags behind; one who takes more time than is necessary or more than the others in a group.

   • 1733, William Havard, Scanderbeg: A Tragedy, London: J. Watts, Act II, Scene 4, p. 17, Blushing I look upon my poor Resolves, A Laggard in the Race, and faintly striving To follow Excellence that soars so high.

The neighborhood