crab

crab

crab¹ [krab]

n.

[ME crabbe < OE crabba < IE base * grebh-, *gerebh-, to scratch: see GRAPHIC]

1. any of various decapods with four pairs of legs, one pair of pincers, a flattish shell, and a short, broad abdomen folded under its thorax

2. any of other similar arthropods, as the horseshoe crab

3. the edible part of a crab

4.

a) CRAB LOUSE

b) [pl.] Informal infestation by crab lice: often with the

5. any of various machines for hoisting heavy weights

6. Aeron. the apparent sideways motion of an aircraft with respect to the ground when headed into a crosswind

vi.

crabbed, crabbing

to fish for crabs; catch crabs

vt.

Aeron. to head (an aircraft) into a crosswind in order to counteract drift, thus causing apparent sideways motion with respect to the ground

to head (an aircraft) into a crosswind in order to counteract drift, thus causing apparent sideways motion with respect to the ground

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catch a crab

Rowing to fail to clear the water on the recovery stroke accidentally, thereby unbalancing the boat or impeding its movement

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the Crab

Cancer, the constellation and fourth sign of the zodiac

crabber

n.

crab² [krab]

n.

[ME crabbe, akin ? to Scot scrabbe, Swed dial. scrabba, wild apple]

1. CRAB APPLE

2. a person who has a sour temper or is always complaining

adj.

of a crab apple or the tree that it grows on

vt.

crabbed, crabbing

1. Obs.

a) to irritate; vex

b) to sour; embitter

2. Rare to find fault with; criticize

vi.

Informal to complain peevishly; grumble

to complain peevishly; grumble

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☆ crab one's act the deal, etc. or crab one's act

to ruin or frustrate one's scheme (the deal, etc.)

crabber

n.