To beg or obtain something by begging; to borrow something with no intention of returning it.
British origin, possibly from an old word for hawker or peddler (cadger). First documented in 18th century as slang for getting things through persuasion or deception.
Cadge is distinctly British slang that's somehow survived modern English—you'll hear 'Can I cadge a cigarette?' but the word has that perfectly British quality of being cheeky without being rude.
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