crabwise

[ krab-wahyz ]

adverb

1. sideways:

   patrons edging crabwise along the crowded row of theater seats.

crabwise

/ ˈkræbˌwaɪz /

adjective

1. (of motion) sideways; like a crab

Word History and Origins

Origin of crabwise¹

First recorded in 1900–05; crab ¹ + -wise

Example Sentences

The prose mostly has the crabwise gait of a Wikipedia entry.

From New York Times

The practical process of mounting an opera is much more crabwise than one might suspect.

From New York Times

“Down to the river, ma’am, to collect specimens,” I said, edging crabwise out the door.

From Literature

He was younger than Netta, imprisoned in a portable-fence arrangement in which he moved tirelessly, crabwise, hanging on a barrier he could easily have climbed.

From The New Yorker

As it is, the next chapter dutifully returns to Lennon and Cornelius and their crabwise slog toward the mysterious island where Lennon will experience his epiphany.

From Washington Post