E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Rig.
A piece of fun, a practical joke. The Scotch say of a man who indulges in intoxication, “He goes the rig.” The same word is applied in Scotland to a certain portion or division of a field. A wanton used to be called a rig. (French, se rigoler, to make merry.)
1
“He little thought when he set out
Of running such a rig.”
Cowper: John Gilpin.
Rig. To dress; whence rigged out, to rig oneself, to rig a ship, well-rigged, etc. (Anglo-Saxon, wrigan, to dress; hrœgl, a garment.)
2
“Jack was rigged out in his gold and silver lace, with a feather in his cap.”—L’Estrange.
