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Dabbed

 - 3 dictionary results

dab

1  [dab] verb, dabbed, dab⋅bing, noun
Use Dabbed in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to pat or tap gently, as with something soft or moist: The child dabbed his eyes with the handkerchief.
2. to apply (a substance) by light strokes: He dabbed the ointment on the rash.
3. to strike, esp. lightly, as with the hand.
4. Masonry. to dress (stonework) with a pointed tool.
5. Western U.S. to throw (a rope or line) in an effort to lasso or catch something: Joe dabbed his rope on the steer.
–verb (used without object)
6. to strike lightly; make a dab; pat: She dabbed at the stain on her dress.
–noun
7. a quick or light blow; a pat, as with the hand or something soft.
8. a small moist lump or mass: a dab of butter.
9. a small quantity: a dab of powder.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME dabben; cf. Norw dabbe shuffle along, walk slowly, G Tappe pat, tappen to feel along, grope

Synonyms:
8. pat, bit; dollop, smidgen.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Dabbed
dab 1   (dāb)   
v.   dabbed, dab·bing, dabs

v.   tr.

  1. To apply with short poking strokes: dabbed some paint on the worn spots.

  2. To cover lightly with or as if with a moist substance.

  3. To strike or hit lightly.

v.   intr.
To tap gently; pat.
n.  

  1. A small amount: a dab of jelly.

  2. A quick light pat.


[Middle English dabben, to strike.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

dab 
c.1307, "heavy blow with a weapon," from dabben "to strike," perhaps imitative. Modern sense of "strike with a slight, quick pressure" developed by 1592, infl. by Fr. dauber (see daub). Dab hand is British slang, 1828, from dab "expert" (1691), said to be school slang, of unknown origin.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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