dabster

American  

[dab-ster] / ˈdæb stər /

noun

1. Slang. an expert.

2. Informal. a person who works in a superficial or clumsy manner; dabbler.

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dabster British  

/ ˈdæbstə /

noun

1. a dialect word for dab hand

2. informal an incompetent or amateurish worker; bungler

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Etymology

Origin of dabster

First recorded in 1700–10; dab ³ + -ster

Example Sentences

However, as generals were not always to be judged either by their epistles or conversation, so the rotund figure, he thought, might prove himself a dabster in war as well as politics.

From The Life and Adventures of Maj. Roger Sherman Potter by Adams, F. Colburn (Francis Colburn)

I never saw such a dabster as you are.

From Jack and Jill by Alcott, Louisa May

Fortunately, Mr Bhosh, as a dabster in English composition, was a pastmaster in drawing a petition, and, sitting down, he constructed the following:— To Those Most Worshipful Bigheads In control of Jockeys Club.

From A Bayard From Bengal Being some account of the Magnificent and Spanking Career of Chunder Bindabun Bhosh,... by Jabberjee, Hurry Bungsho

You're a dabster at chicane, or you're preciously belied.

From Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911: Rip van Winkle by Burke, Charles

“I’ll admit you’re a dabster, Evelyn, dear,” she cried, “but you will have to get up early in the morning to get the best of your little friend.”

From Lucile Triumphant by Duffield, Elizabeth M.