scab
|scab|
/skæb/
hardened crust; social outcast
Etymology
'scab' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'skabb', where 'skabb' meant 'mange, scab or skin disease'.
'scab' changed from Old Norse 'skabb' and Old English forms such as Middle English 'scabbe' and eventually became the modern English word 'scab'.
Initially, it referred to a skin disease or mange, but over time it came to mean the crust over a wound and later acquired the figurative meaning of a contemptible strikebreaker.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a hard crust that forms over a healing wound or sore.
The cut on his arm has already formed a scab.
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Noun 2
a person who refuses to join a strike or who takes the place of striking workers; a strikebreaker (derogatory).
During the strike, scabs crossed the picket line to go to work.
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Noun 3
a disease or lesion affecting plants or crops (e.g., apple scab).
Apple scab can damage fruit and reduce yields.
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Verb 1
to form a scab; to become covered with a scab.
The wound is beginning to scab over.
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Verb 2
to act as a strikebreaker; to take a job while others are on strike or to work despite a strike.
He scabbed during the factory strike and was shunned by coworkers.
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Last updated: 2025/12/10 12:32