Definitions

1. noun

A person who has left their job, especially in a union, in order to undermine the efforts of the other workers, often by returning to work during a strike.

“The company accused several former employees of being scabs and trying to break the union.”

2. noun

A dry, flaky crust or sore that forms on the skin as a result of a wound, especially one that is healing.

“She had to cover the scab on her knee with a bandage before going to school.”

3. verb

To leave one’s job, especially in a union, in order to undermine the efforts of the other workers, often by returning to work during a strike.

“Several workers were accused of scabbing and attempting to break the union.”

4. verb

To cover or fill with a crust or dry scab, especially on the skin.

“The wound began to scab over after a few days.”