scab

American  

[skab] / skæb /

noun

1. the incrustation that forms over a sore or wound during healing.

2. Veterinary Pathology. a mangy disease in animals, especially sheep; scabies.

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.

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verb (used without object)

scabbed, scabbing

1. to become covered with a scab.

2. to act or work as a scab.

scab British  

/ skæb /

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: blackleg.  a 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

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verb

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

scab Scientific  

/ skăb /

1. A crust that forms over a healing wound, consisting of dried blood, plasma, and other secretions.

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scab Cultural  

1. 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.)

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Other Word Forms

• scablike
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of scab

1200–50; 1800–10 scab for def. 4; Middle English < Old Norse skabb scab, itch; cf. shabby, shave

Explanation

Kids who fall and skin their knees know what a scab is: it's the crusty patch of skin that forms when a scrape or cut is healing. A wound will form a scab as it heals, whether it's a cut or a burn. Skin has an amazing ability to repair itself, and a scab is evidence of this. Scab is also a slang term for someone who crosses a picket line during a strike, choosing to work instead of joining coworkers in protesting low wages or harsh treatment by an employer. This kind of scab first meant "unpleasant person" in the late 1500s.

Example Sentences

As cliches mount, the reader half expects the next phone call to be answered by old Scab Cooley.

From Time Magazine Archive

Scab is propagated more by using the same rubbing posts, than by contact with each other.

From Domestic Animals History and description of the horse, mule, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry and farm dogs; with directions for their management, breeding, crossing, rearing, feeding, and preparation for a profitable market; also their diseases and remedies. Together with full directions for the management of the dairy. by Allen, Richard L.

Scab Johnny explained that he had promised the crew double wages and a bonus of a hundred dollars each for the trip.

From Captain Scraggs or, The Green-Pea Pirates by Grant, Gordon

Scab is caused by a fungus that attacks the surface of the tubers.

From Manual of Gardening (Second Edition) by Bailey, L. H. (Liberty Hyde)

Then, feeling quite content with himself, even in his wet garments, he boarded a city-bound trolley car and departed for the warmth and hospitality of Scab Johnny's sailor boarding house in Oregon Street.

From Captain Scraggs or, The Green-Pea Pirates by Grant, Gordon

Related Words

• blister
• crater
• defect
• discoloration
• disfigurement
• flaw
• wound