CRAB, noun [Gr. Latin ]
1 A crustaceous fish, the cray-fish, Cancer, a genus containing numerous species. They have usually ten feet, two of which are furnished with claws; two eyes, pedunculated, elongated and movable. To this genus belong the lobster, the shrimp, etc.
2. A wild apple, or the tree producing it; so named from its rough taste.
3. A peevish morose person.
4. A wooden engine with three claws for launching ships and heaving them into the dock.
5. A pillar used sometimes for the same purpose as a capstan.
6. Cancer, a sign in the zodiac.
CRABs claws, in the materia medica, the tips of the claws of the common crab; used as absorbents.
CRABs eyes, in pharmacy, concretions formed in the stomach of the cray-fish. They are rounded on one side, and depressed and sinuated on the other, considerably heavy, moderately hard, and without smell. They are absorbent, discussive and diuretic.
CRAB-lice, small insects that stick fast to the skin.
CRAB, adjective Sour; rough; austere.