soft-shell crab

noun

1. a crab, especially the blue crab, that has recently molted and therefore has a soft, edible shell.

soft-shell crab

noun

1. a crab, esp of the edible species Cancer pagurus, that has recently moulted and has not yet formed its new shell Compare hard-shell crab

Word History and Origins

Origin of soft-shell crab¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Pilots ate cream of crab soup and soft-shell crab sandwiches, fresh as could be.

From Washington Post

If you’d rather eat out, stop at Ricky’s Seafood and Produce for a soft-shell crab sandwich or Poseidon’s Pantry for a gourmet sandwich, then go to Island Creamery for ice cream.

From Washington Post

Pine nuts, bacon, soft-shell crab—these are the flavors of caterpillars, beetles, and tarantulas, if you can believe it.

From The Daily Beast

With their meatier body, tarantulas are said to taste like to soft-shell crab or shrimp.

From The Daily Beast

The soft-shell crab is blanched five minutes, and fried like fish.

From Project Gutenberg

The soft shell crab is caught just as the old shell is shed, and is highly esteemed as a delicacy.

From Project Gutenberg

One-third New York cheese, one-third dessicated soft-shell crab, one-sixth green peppers chopped very fine.

From Project Gutenberg

When he drew near they found a soft-shell crab clinging fast to the stiff hair of the zebra's head, where it held on by one claw.

From Project Gutenberg

A dainty succulent soft shell crab, nicely cooked and well browned, tempts the eye of the epicure and makes his mouth water.

From Project Gutenberg