crab

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.