I. ˈdrab noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: circa 1515
1. : slattern
2. : prostitute
II. intransitive verb
( drabbed ; drab·bing )
Date: 1599
: to associate with prostitutes
III. noun
Etymology: Middle French drap cloth, from Late Latin drappus
Date: 1541
1. : any of various cloths of a dull brown or gray color
2.
a. : a light olive brown
b. : a dull, lifeless, or faded appearance or quality
IV. adjective
( drab·ber ; drab·best )
Date: 1686
1.
a. : of the dull brown color of drab
b. : of the color drab
2. : characterized by dullness and monotony : cheerless
a drab life
• drab·ly adverb
• drab·ness noun
V. noun
Etymology: probably alteration of drib
Date: 1809
: a small amount — usually used in the phrase dribs and drabs
receiving donations in dribs and drab s