grabble

American  

[grab-uhl] / ˈgræb əl /

verb (used without object)

grabbled, grabbling

1. to feel or search with the hands; grope.

2. to sprawl; scramble.

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grabble British  

/ ˈɡræbəl /

verb

1. (intr) to scratch or feel about with the hands

2. (intr) to fall to the ground; sprawl

3. (tr) to seize rashly

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Other Word Forms

• grabbler noun

Etymology

Origin of grabble

1570–80; grab ¹ + -le; compare Dutch grabbelen

Example Sentences

It’s that we want—and need—the ability to grabble with nuance and ambiguity that are inherent when our bodies and minds fail.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2018

The father of the family, however, was quick to perceive his son's offence against good manners, and corrected him in a loud whisper: 'Moosn't grabble yer han' 'moong the 'tators here!'

From Art in England Notes and Studies by Cook, Dutton

I nebber digs my taters up Wen dey's only right to grabble.

From Negro Folk Rhymes Wise and Otherwise: With a Study by Talley, Thomas Washington

Then we grabble in de pot for more.

From Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves South Carolina Narratives, Part 4 by Work Projects Administration

A few hollow groans from the wardrobe, he thought, would be more than sufficient, or, if that failed to wake her, he might grabble at the counterpane with palsy-twitching fingers. 

From Lord Arthur Savile's Crime and Other Stories by Wilde, Oscar