I. ˈnab noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English nabb, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian nabbe crag, Old Norse nabbi small conical protuberance; akin to Old Norse nef beak — more at neb
1. Scotland : a projecting part of an eminence (as a peak or promontory)
2.
a. obs slang : head
b. archaic slang : hat
3.
a. : the shoulder of the bolt of a lock on which the key acts to shoot the bolt
b. : the keeper of a door lock
II. ˈnab, ˈnaa(ə)b transitive verb
( nabbed ; nabbed ; nabbing ; nabs )
Etymology: perhaps alteration of nap (V)
1. : to catch or seize in arrest : take into custody : apprehend
2. : to seize or catch suddenly : lay hold of : obtain possession of usually by some improper or irregular method
nabbed the best seats in the house
especially : steal
III. noun
( -s )
1. slang : policeman
2. slang : arrest
IV. ˈnab
Scotland
variant of nob III