scab Hear it!

scab definition

scab (skab)

noun

  1. a crust that forms over a sore or wound during healing
  2. a mangy skin disease, as scabies, of animals, esp. sheep
    1. any of various plant diseases characterized by roughened, scablike spots on leaves, stems, or fruits
    2. any such spot
  3. : often a term of contempt or derision
    1. Slang a low, contemptible fellow; scoundrel
    2. ☆ a worker who refuses to join a union, or who works for lower wages or under different conditions than those accepted by the union
    3. a worker who refuses to strike, or who takes the place of a striking worker

Etymology: ME scabbe < ON skabb, akin to OE sceabb < IE base *(s)kep-, to cut, split > L scabies, scabies, scabere, to shave

intransitive verb scabbed, scabbing scab′·bing

  1. to become covered with a scab; form a scab
  2. ☆ to work or act as a scab

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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