Date:    Wed, 11 Mar 1998 13:07:28 -0500
<br>From:    Elizabeth Gibbens  gibbens[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]EROLS.COM 
<br>Subject: Shaggy-Dog Story
<br>
<br>Dear All,
<br>
<br>        I am looking for the etymology of the phrase "shaggy-dog story"; it is
<br>defined in the unabridged American Heritage Dictionary as a "long,
<br>circuitous tale with an unlikely or surprise ending," or something close to
<br>that.  I'd appreciate your help.  Thank you.
<br>
<br>                                                        Elizabeth Gibbens
<br>