scab
- the incrustation that forms over a sore or wound during healing.
- Veterinary Pathology. a mangy disease in animals, especially sheep; scabies.Compare itch(def 10).
- Plant Pathology.
- a disease of plants characterized by crustlike lesions on the affected parts and caused by a fungus or bacterium.
- one of these crustlike lesions.
- a worker who refuses to join a labor union or to participate in a union strike, who takes a striking worker's place on the job, or the like.
- Slang. a rascal or scoundrel.
- Metallurgy.
- a projection or roughness on an ingot or casting from a defective mold.
- a surface defect on an iron or steel piece resulting from the rolling in of scale.
- Carpentry. a short, flat piece of wood used for various purposes, as binding two timbers butted together or strengthening a timber at a weak spot.
- to become covered with a scab.
- to act or work as a scab.
Origin of scab
Examples from the Web for scab
Historical Examples
Threats against "scabs" were shouted out, the word "scab" arose on every side.
The HarborErnest Poole
In those days they used a scab from the arm of someone who had been vaccinated.
Old Rail Fence CornersVarious
When the scab was all off, the nose was found to be quite uninjured.
The Civilization Of ChinaHerbert A. Giles
This scab is caused by a fungous growth on the surface of the potato.
Agriculture for BeginnersCharles William Burkett
With the same (or Bordeaux for scab) just after the blossoms fall.
Apple GrowingM. C. Burritt
scab
- the dried crusty surface of a healing skin wound or sore
- a contagious disease of sheep, a form of mange, caused by a mite (Psoroptes communis)
- a fungal disease of plants characterized by crusty spots on the fruits, leaves, etc
- derogatory
- Also called: blacklega person who refuses to support a trade union's actions, esp one who replaces a worker who is on strike
- (as modifier)scab labour
- a despicable person
- to become covered with a scab
- (of a road surface) to become loose so that potholes develop
- to replace a striking worker
Word Origin
Word Origin and History for scab
n.
mid-13c., "skin disease," developed from Old English sceabb "scab, itch" (related to scafan "to shave, scrape, scratch") and from Old Norse skabb "scab, itch," both from Proto-Germanic *skab- "scratch, shave," from PIE *(s)kep- "to cut, scrape, hack" (see scabies). Sense reinforced by cognate Latin scabies "scab, itch, mange" (from scabere "to scratch").
Meaning "crust which forms over a wound or sore" is first attested c.1400. Meaning "strikebreaker" first recorded 1806, from earlier sense of "person who refuses to join a trade union" (1777), probably from meaning "despicable person" (1580s), possibly borrowed in this sense from Middle Dutch.
scab
(skăb)- A crust formed from and covering a healing wound.
- Scabies or mange in domestic animals or livestock, especially sheep.
- To become covered with scabs or a scab.
scab
- A crust that forms over a healing wound, consisting of dried blood, plasma, and other secretions.
scab
Informally, a worker who stays on the job while others go on strike. Also, a worker brought in to keep a plant operating when its work force is on strike. (See strikebreaker.)