— grubber , n.
/grub/ , n. , v. , grubbed, grubbing .
n.
1. the thick-bodied, sluggish larva of several insects, as of a scarab beetle.
2. a dull, plodding person; drudge.
3. an unkempt person.
4. Slang. food; victuals.
5. any remaining roots or stumps after cutting vegetation to clear land for farming.
v.t.
6. to dig; clear of roots, stumps, etc.
7. to dig up by the roots; uproot (often fol. by up or out ).
8. Slang. to supply with food; feed.
9. Slang. to scrounge: to grub a cigarette.
v.i.
10. to dig; search by or as if by digging: We grubbed through piles of old junk to find the deed.
11. to lead a laborious or groveling life; drudge: It's wonderful to have money after having to grub for so many years.
12. to engage in laborious study.
13. Slang. to eat; take food.
[ 1250-1300; ME grubbe (n.), grubben (v.); akin to OHG grubilon to dig, G grübeln to rack (the brain), ON gryfia hole, pit; see GRAVE 1 , GROOVE ]