1. (n.) One of the brachyuran Crustacea. They are mostly marine, and usually have a broad, short body, covered with a strong shell or carapace. The abdomen is small and curled up beneath the body.

2. (n.) The zodiacal constellation Cancer.

3. (n.) A crab apple; -- so named from its harsh taste.

4. (n.) A cudgel made of the wood of the crab tree; a crabstick.

5. (n.) A movable winch or windlass with powerful gearing, used with derricks, etc.

6. (n.) A form of windlass, or geared capstan, for hauling ships into dock, etc.

7. (n.) A machine used in ropewalks to stretch the yarn.

8. (n.) A claw for anchoring a portable machine.

9. (v. t.) To make sour or morose; to embitter.

10. (v. t.) To beat with a crabstick.

11. (v. i.) To drift sidewise or to leeward, as a vessel.

12. (a.) Sour; rough; austere.

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