CRAB, n. [Gr. L.] 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, &c.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, a. Sour; rough; austere.
|
