crabbing

[ krab-ing ]

noun

the activity or occupation of fishing for crabs.
a finishing process for reducing shrinkage and creasing of woolens and worsteds by stretching the fabric on a rotating cylinder and immersing in hot or, sometimes, cold water.

Aeronautics. the maneuver of heading partly into the wind to compensate for drift.

Origin of crabbing

First recorded in 1870–75; crab¹ + -ing¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

William Shelton uses the technique to document crabbing, depicting piles of shells and the elaborate lattices of traps.
In the galleries: Old-time technology with a contemporary twist | Mark Jenkins | August 5, 2022 | Washington Post
In other words, the nose of the car points in one direction, but the vehicle itself is sliding another way, like an airplane crabbing in crosswinds while landing.
This autonomous Toyota race car can drift like a pro | Rob Verger | February 3, 2022 | Popular-Science
There are often provocations in the area in the spring as crabbing season begins.
The Ominous Meaning of North Korea’s Missile Launches | Gordon G. Chang | February 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The custom of "crabbing the parson" was observed till lately at St. Kenelm's chapelry, near Stourbridge.
Notes and Queries for Worcestershire | John Noake
From the crabbing machine the pieces are wound on to a perforated shell or steel cylinder which is closed at one end.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 3 | Various

After crabbing, the pieces are washed or “scoured” in soap either on the winch or at full width.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 3 | Various
crabbing consists of two operations, first the loosening process, then the setting process.
Textiles | William H. Dooley
So intent were the girls on their crabbing game they had not noticed the other craft drifting about them.
The Girl Scouts at Sea Crest | Lillian Garis

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