What is the origin of the phrase, "egg him on"?

[Goran]

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #22 "Egg expressions", question 2

I know you didn't exactly push him into accepting the offer but you must admit you did egg him on.

(a) did force him
(b) did enable him
(c) did encourage him
(d) did send him

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #22 "Egg expressions", answer 2

I know you didn't exactly push him into accepting the offer but you must admit you did encourage him.

Correct answer: (c) did encourage him
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What is the origin of the phrase, "egg him on"?

Goran

[Mister Micawber]

.
Many dictionaries explain etymologies, EL:

[Origin: 1150–1200; ME < ON eggja to incite, deriv. of egg = edge. O.E. ecg "corner, edge," also "sword," from P.Gmc. *agjo (cf. O.N. egg, see egg (v.); Ger. Eck "corner"), from PIE base *ak- "sharp, pointed" (cf. L. acies, Gk. akis "point;" see acrid).]

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber