dab1
v.
(dabs, dabbing, dabbed)
press against (something) lightly several times with a piece of absorbent material.
▸apply (a substance) with light quick strokes.
n.
- a small amount:
a dab of perfume.
▸a brief application of a piece of absorbent material to a surface.
-
(dabs)
Brit. informal fingerprints.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: symbolic of a light striking movement; cf. dabble and dib.
dab2
n.
a small, commercially important flatfish found chiefly in the North Atlantic.
[
Limanda limanda and other species.]
Etymology
ME: of unknown origin.