Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†DRAB, v. and n.
1. v. To spot, to stain (Abd. 1825 Jam.2). Ppl.adj. drabbed. Also in n.Eng. dial.Inv. 1732 in J. Noble Misc. Inv. (1902) 126:
He was drabbed and full of clay and mire.
2. n. A spot, a stain (Abd. 1825 Jam.2).
[Cf. L.Ger. drabbe, dirty liquid, filth, and Drabble, below.]