Not a word in the sky

[purplerabbits]

Word enthusiasts, please help me!

Is there such a word as ragments? A crossword solver suggested it to me and it fits the clue quite well but I can't find a definition even in my shorter oxford. Alternatively, suggest a solution to "Old catalogues brought up the street to the Steptoes" in R_G_E_T_

Also is there a famous craftsman in _H_M_S _H_R_T_N? I thought of Thomas someone? Charlton? Except Google cannot help me.

UPDATE: It *was* ragments - and I still don't know what it means. Mind you this setter also uses words like 'epopee', and 'riggald' - which is a great word...

Comments

[ellemir.livejournal.com]

Sheraton?

[purplerabbits.livejournal.com]

Doh! Thankyou!

[selectnone.livejournal.com]

Heh, I thought "Shamus Churnton", whoever that may be!

[cheekbones3.livejournal.com]

Ragments fits cryptically (st backwards to ragmen), but is not in any dictionary I own.

[gleisdreieck.livejournal.com]

According to the OED, it is an old Scots word meaning "a long discourse, rhapsody, rigmarole". The most recent example is from 1585, which I believe is a little bit before you moved up here, so you are forgiven for not knowing the word (I use it three or four times a day):

1585 POLWART Flyting w. Montgomerie 142, I laugh to see the bluiter Glor in thy ragments, rash to raill.

ragments

[(Anonymous)]

According to Chambers Dictionary, it's an obsolete term for either an old catalogue (so it fits the clue) or a document with pendent seals. I once read that Chambers is some kind of standard amongst crossword compilers.

In case you're wondering who I am, I'm an old friend and former colleague of ciphergoth and henry_the_cow. I met you once in the late 90s at your flat - I'm the one who had a big clearout and gave ciphergoth an old civil defence greatcoat I couldn't get into anymore.