crabwise

[ krab-wahyz ]

adverb

1. sideways:

   patrons edging crabwise along the crowded row of theater seats.

crabwise

/ ˈkræbˌwaɪz /

adjective

1. (of motion) sideways; like a crab

Word History and Origins

Origin of crabwise¹

First recorded in 1900–05; crab ¹ + -wise

Example Sentences

To his astonishment the stranger's mobile lips twisted in a snarl and he edged crabwise toward the bushes bordering the glen.

From Project Gutenberg

And so on, and all the time it is not wanting to go either to Thirlmere or to Penrith, but is sidling crabwise to Keswick.

From Project Gutenberg

He was well up into the cleft, moving crabwise, unwilling to turn his back on the Throg.

From Project Gutenberg

Able Jake, with the controlling influence of the jets cut, had yawed slightly and was now traveling crabwise.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Wayne stiffened and wheeled; Mr. Briggs sidled hastily toward the doorway, crabwise; the poet choked back the word, Phup!

From Project Gutenberg