Kaptin M:
Here are the definitions of "scab" as quoted in
Encarta:
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scab [skab ] noun (plural scabs)
1. crust over healing wound: a hard crust of dried blood, serum, or pus, that forms over a wound during healing
2. strikebreaker: somebody who continues to work during a strike, or who does a striker's job during a strike (disapproving)
3. BOTANY plant disease causing crusty spots: a fungal plant disease causing crusty spots on the affected parts
4. VETERINARY MEDICINE skin disease of sheep: a skin disease of sheep and other animals that resembles mange
5. dislikable person: somebody regarded as despicable or dislikable (slang insult)
6. BOTANY crusty spot on a plant: a crusty spot on a plant caused by a fungal disease
intransitive verb (past scabbed, past participle scabbed, present participle scab·bing, 3rd person present singular scabs)
1. become covered with scab: to become covered with a scab during healing
2. work during strike: to continue to work during a strike, or do a striker's job during a strike (disapproving)
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In union speak, it is rarely No. 5 above that is meant
