Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Grub?

\Grub\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Grubbed}, p. pr. & vb. n. {Grubbing}.] [OE. grubbin., cf. E. grab, grope.] 1. To dig in or under the ground, generally for an object that is difficult to reach or extricate; to be occupied in digging. 2. To drudge; to do menial work. --Richardson.
\Grub\, v. t. 1. To dig; to dig up by the roots; to root out by digging; -- followed by up; as, to grub up trees, rushes, or sedge. They do not attempt to grub up the root of sin. --Hare. 2. To supply with food. [Slang] --Dickens.
\Grub\, n. 1. (Zo["o]l.) The larva of an insect, especially of a beetle; -- called also grubworm. See Illust. of {Goldsmith beetle}, under {Goldsmith}. Yet your butterfly was a grub. --Shak. 2. A short, thick man; a dwarf. [Obs.] --Carew. 3. Victuals; food. [Slang] --Halliwell. {Grub ax} or {axe}, a kind of mattock used in grubbing up roots, etc. {Grub breaker}. Same as {Grub hook} (below). {Grub hoe}, a heavy hoe for grubbing. {Grub hook}, a plowlike implement for uprooting stumps, breaking roots, etc. {Grub saw}, a handsaw used for sawing marble. {Grub Street}, a street in London (now called {Milton Street}), described by Dr. Johnson as ``much inhabited by writers of small histories, dictionaries, and temporary poems, whence any mean production is called grubstreet.'' As an adjective, suitable to, or resembling the production of, Grub Street. I 'd sooner ballads write, and grubstreet lays. --Gap.