Plural of badger, referring to stocky carnivorous mammals known for their digging ability and distinctive black and white facial markings. Can also be a verb meaning to persistently harass or pester.
From Middle English 'bageard', possibly from 'badge' (referring to the white mark on their head) plus '-ard' suffix. The verb sense of persistent bothering developed in the 18th century from badger-baiting, where dogs would harass badgers.
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