Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
KRAB, v. [krɑb] 1. “To scrape, to be dragged over an uneven surface while scratching and gripping hold” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1960).Ib.:
De anchor or dregg krabs (is krabin).
2. Of a crop: to become flattened, to “go down,” to be laid flat (Ork. 1929 Marw.). Cf. Kraf, id.
[Norw. krabbe, to crawl, creep; scrape, grab, O.N. krabbi, a crab.]