~ 1
■ noun
1》 a crustacean, found chiefly on seashores, with a broad carapace, stalked eyes, and five pairs of legs, the first of which are modified as pincers. [Order Decapoda: many species.]
2》 ( ~s ) informal an infestation of ~ lice.
3》 a machine with pincer-like arms for picking up heavy weights.
■ verb
1》 move sideways or obliquely.
2》 fish for ~s.
Phrases
catch a ~ Rowing make a faulty stroke.
Derivatives
~ber noun
~like adjective & adverb
Origin
OE ~ba , of Gmc origin.
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~ 2
■ verb ( ~s , ~bing , ~bed ) informal grumble.
Origin
C16 (referring to hawks, meaning 'claw or fight each other'): from Low Ger. krabben ; related to ~ 1 .