Crab

n. [A-S. crabba, Icel. krabbi, Sw. krabba, L. Ger. & Dan. krabbe, D. krab, from Lat. carabus, a kind of sea-crab, Gr. κάραβος.]

1Sense 1. (Zoöl.) An animal of the class Crustacea, having the body covered by a crust-like shell called the carapax. It has ten legs, the front pair of which terminate in claws. See CRUSTACEA.

2Sense 2. [See CRAB, a.] (Bot.) A wild apple, or the tree producing it;—so named from its harsh taste.

When roasted crabs hiss in the bowl, Then nightly sings the staring owl. Shak.

3Sense 3. (Mech.) (a.) A form of crane used for raising or moving heavy weights. (b.) A contrivance for launching ships or raising them into a dock.

4Sense 4. A peevish, morose person.

To catch a crab, to fall backward by missing a stroke in rowing.

v. t. 1. To cause to be bitter, morose, or difficult; to embitter.

It is easy to observe how age or sickness sours or crabs our nature. Glanville.

2Sense 2. To beat with a crab stick.

Get you to bed, drab, Or I'll crab your shoulders. J. Fletcher.