ˈskrəbē, -bi adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: scrub (I) + -y
1.
a. : stunted in size : meager in quality : runty , poor
jack oak and … scrubby cut-over pine — W.F.Davis
stretches of forests, broken … by small scrubby farms — American Guide Series: Maine
b. : lacking distinction in rank or appearance : inferior , shabby
scrubby little shipping clerks — Marguerite Steen
wears a scrubby old tweed coat that has seen better days
2. : consisting of scrub : covered with stunted vegetation
open scrubby forests — P.E.James
the scrubby , blotchy land through which he rides — Curtis Dahl
3. : being short and bristly
a sandy, scrubby , wayward little mustache — W.A.White