Why "Badgering"?

[Dusky]

When referring to harrassing, tormenting etc., why is it known as "badgering" specifically. Obviously it is similar to the actual meaning of "dogging", if slightly more aggressive.

I found another definition which relates to buying wheat and selling it on elsewhere for profit - maybe there's a derivation from "bag" in some way.

Any bright ideas? Thanks.

[gary baldy]

Just a guess but badgers are quite inquisitive and tenatious animals arent they. They snuffle around checking things out and get their noses right into things.
Just a thought.

[Grunty]

For centuries, badgers have been persecuted by people catching them and making them fight with dogs. This is one of the blood sports that are now banned by law, but still exist in secret. Although someone may be able to give the etymology, I believe the verb really means to treat like a badger.

[woofgang]

this is what wikipedia says you will need to scroll down

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badger

[Quizmonster]

Grunty is right. It means to bait in the same way as badgers used to be treated by dogs - at man's instigation - for 'sport'...ie hassled and tormented.

[Quizmonster]

By the way, Woofgang, I could not access your link for some reason. My apologies if my answer just repeated yours, in effect, ma'am.

[woofgang]

How strange. I tested the link when i posted it and it worked, now it doesn't. See if this one does, it supports your post Quizzy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badger

[Quizmonster]

bingo, w!