scab

[ skab ]

noun

1. the incrustation that forms over a sore or wound during healing.
2. Veterinary Pathology. a mangy disease in animals, especially sheep; scabies. Compare itch ( def 10 ).
3. Plant Pathology.
   1. a disease of plants characterized by crustlike lesions on the affected parts and caused by a fungus or bacterium.
   2. one of these crustlike lesions.
4. a worker who refuses to join a labor union or to participate in a union strike, who takes a striking worker's place on the job, or the like.
5. Slang. a rascal or scoundrel.
6. Metallurgy.
   1. a projection or roughness on an ingot or casting from a defective mold.
   2. a surface defect on an iron or steel piece resulting from the rolling in of scale.
7. Carpentry. a short, flat piece of wood used for various purposes, as binding two timbers butted together or strengthening a timber at a weak spot.

verb (used without object)

, scabbed, scab·bing.

1. to become covered with a scab.
2. to act or work as a scab.

scab

/ skæb /

noun

1. the dried crusty surface of a healing skin wound or sore
2. a contagious disease of sheep, a form of mange, caused by a mite ( Psoroptes communis )
3. a fungal disease of plants characterized by crusty spots on the fruits, leaves, etc
4. derogatory.
   1. Also calledblackleg a person who refuses to support a trade union's actions, esp one who replaces a worker who is on strike
   2. ( as modifier )

      scab labour

5. a despicable person

verb

1. to become covered with a scab
2. (of a road surface) to become loose so that potholes develop
3. to replace a striking worker

scab

/ skăb /

1. A crust that forms over a healing wound, consisting of dried blood, plasma, and other secretions.

scab

1. Informally, a worker who stays on the job while others go on strike . Also, a worker brought in to keep a plant operating when its work force is on strike. ( See strikebreaker .)

Derived Forms

• ˈscabˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• scablike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scab¹

1200–50; 1800–10 scab fordef 4; Middle English < Old Norse skabb scab, itch; shabby, shave

Word History and Origins

Origin of scab¹

Old English sceabb; related to Old Norse skabb, Latin scabiēs, Middle Low German schabbe scoundrel, German schäbig shabby

Example Sentences

There’s a toughness in them, as several showed off scabs on their arms.

From Los Angeles Times

He ridiculed people who keep bringing up the audio leak scandal, proclaiming that he has moved forward while they “see the scab” from the wound it caused and “continue to scratch and scratch and scratch.”

From Los Angeles Times

This is why United Auto Workers endorsed the Democratic ticket, with the president Shawn Fain calling Trump a "scab."

From Salon

But perhaps one of the most memorable lines of the night came from United Automobile Workers President Shawn Fain, who took the podium and called Trump a “scab” - someone who undermines organised workers.

From BBC

UAW president Shawn Fain, a harsh Trump critic, previously called him a “scab.”

From Salon

Related Words

• blister
• crater
• defect
• discoloration
• disfigurement
• flaw
• wound