Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SLAB, n.2 A variant form of Eng. slub, a strip of carded wool or cotton slightly twisted before being spun.Abd. 1791 The Bee (28 Sept.) V. 108:
Yarn spun in this manner is there called slab. . . . The spinner takes in her left hand a tape of combed wool, enters that to the point of the spindle, and with the right hand turns the wheel.