pigge

Pigge refers to a historical form of the word "pig" used in Middle English. While the exact origin is debated, it is believed to have evolved from Old English words for swine. The spelling "pigge" was common in literature and everyday usage during the Middle Ages.

The word "pigge", like its modern descendant "pig," designated the domestic swine, a farm animal widely raised for its meat. It also sometimes referred to a young pig, or piglet. In some contexts, "pigge" could also be used metaphorically to describe a greedy or unpleasant person, a usage that carries over into modern English slang.

The transition from "pigge" to "pig" occurred over time, with variations in spelling and pronunciation evolving as the English language changed. By the Early Modern English period, "pig" had become the standard form. Despite the spelling change, the fundamental meaning of the word remained consistent. References to "pigge" can be found in various medieval texts, offering a glimpse into the linguistic landscape of the era and the enduring presence of the animal in human society and language.