An archaic exclamation expressing surprise, consternation, or mild oath, commonly used in older literature and theater.
From a contracted oath 'Ah God!' or 'Egad,' shortened from "Ye gods!" The word obscured the religious reference, making it acceptable as a minced oath in polite company.
Colonial speakers invented 'egads' as a sneaky way to swear without technically swearing—similar to how people today say 'gosh' or 'dang' instead of the real thing, they were hiding 'God' inside a new word.
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