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definitions

scab

[skab]
See more synonyms for scab on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the incrustation that forms over a sore or wound during healing.
  2. Veterinary Pathology. a mangy disease in animals, especially sheep; scabies.Compare itch(def 10).
  3. Plant Pathology.
    1. a disease of plants characterized by crustlike lesions on the affected parts and caused by a fungus or bacterium.
    2. one of these crustlike lesions.
  4. 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.
  5. Slang. a rascal or scoundrel.
  6. Metallurgy.
    1. a projection or roughness on an ingot or casting from a defective mold.
    2. a surface defect on an iron or steel piece resulting from the rolling in of scale.
  7. 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.
verb (used without object), scabbed, scab·bing.
  1. to become covered with a scab.
  2. to act or work as a scab.

Origin of scab

1200–50; 1800–10 for def 4; Middle English < Old Norse skabb scab, itch; cf. shabby, shave
Related formsscab·like, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for scab

blister, flaw, disfigurement, wound, defect, crater, discoloration, scab, layer, surface, skin, leaf, exfoliate, sliver, track, hurt, mark, pockmark, cicatrice, cicatrix

Examples from the Web for scab

Historical Examples of scab

  • Threats against "scabs" were shouted out, the word "scab" arose on every side.

    The Harbor

    Ernest Poole

  • In those days they used a scab from the arm of someone who had been vaccinated.

  • When the scab was all off, the nose was found to be quite uninjured.

  • This scab is caused by a fungous growth on the surface of the potato.

    Agriculture for Beginners

    Charles William Burkett

  • With the same (or Bordeaux for scab) just after the blossoms fall.

    Apple Growing

    M. C. Burritt

British Dictionary definitions for scab

scab

noun
  1. the dried crusty surface of a healing skin wound or sore
  2. a contagious disease of sheep, a form of mange, caused by a mite (Psoroptes communis)
  3. a fungal disease of plants characterized by crusty spots on the fruits, leaves, etc
  4. derogatory
    1. Also called: blacklega person who refuses to support a trade union's actions, esp one who replaces a worker who is on strike
    2. (as modifier)scab labour
  5. a despicable person
verb scabs, scabbing or scabbed (intr)
  1. to become covered with a scab
  2. (of a road surface) to become loose so that potholes develop
  3. to replace a striking worker
Derived Formsscablike, adjective

Word Origin for scab

Old English sceabb; related to Old Norse skabb, Latin scabiēs, Middle Low German schabbe scoundrel, German schäbig shabby
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
scab in Medicine

scab

[skăb]
n.
  1. A crust formed from and covering a healing wound.
  2. Scabies or mange in domestic animals or livestock, especially sheep.
v.
  1. To become covered with scabs or a scab.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
scab in Science

scab

[skăb]
  1. A crust that forms over a healing wound, consisting of dried blood, plasma, and other secretions.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
scab in Culture

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.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.