dab 1
/dab/ , v. , dabbed, dabbing , n.
v.t.
1. to pat or tap gently, as with something soft or moist: The child dabbed his eyes with the handkerchief.
2. to apply (a substance) by light strokes: He dabbed the ointment on the rash.
3. to strike, esp. lightly, as with the hand.
4. Masonry. to dress (stonework) with a pointed tool.
5. Western U.S. to throw (a rope or line) in an effort to lasso or catch something: Joe dabbed his rope on the steer.
v.i.
6. to strike lightly; make a dab; pat: She dabbed at the stain on her dress.
n.
7. a quick or light blow; a pat, as with the hand or something soft.
8. a small moist lump or mass: a dab of butter.
9. a small quantity: a dab of powder.
[ 1250-1300; ME dabben; cf. Norw dabbe shuffle along, walk slowly, G Tappe pat, tappen to feel along, grope ]
Syn. 8. pat, bit; dollop, smidgen.
dab 2
/dab/ , n.
any of several flatfishes of the genus Limanda, esp. the European flatfish, L. limanda.
[ 1570-80; perh. special use of DAB 1 ]
dab 3
/dab/ , Slang.
n.
1. Also called dab hand . a person skilled in something; an expert.
2. an excellent or extraordinary person or thing.
adj.
3. expert; excellent; extraordinary.
[ 1685-95; of uncert. orig. ]