grabble

[ grab-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, grab·bled, grab·bling.

1. to feel or search with the hands; grope.
2. to sprawl; scramble.

grabble

/ ˈɡræbəl /

verb

1. intr to scratch or feel about with the hands
2. intr to fall to the ground; sprawl
3. tr to seize rashly

Derived Forms

• ˈgrabbler, noun

Other Words From

• grabbler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of grabble¹

1570–80; grab ¹ + -le; compare Dutch grabbelen

Word History and Origins

Origin of grabble¹

C16: probably from Dutch grabbelen, from grabben to grab

Example Sentences

He engaged some boys to grabble out the nuts from the sand beds, urging care, but many of the best were broken and injured.

From Project Gutenberg

Downey and Grabble are first-class people, I can assure you.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Brown went direct to the counting-house of Downey and Grabble.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Brown saw that his money was lost, unless he could make those rascals Downey and Grabble pay.

From Project Gutenberg

It was valuable enough to cover the debt of Downey and Grabble, although not to be easily realised in this country.

From Project Gutenberg