a. and adv. [f. CRAB sb.1] Like a crab, esp. in moving backwards or sideways.

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1598.  Sylvester, Du Bartas, II. ii. IV. 392. Because then Southward Sol doth retrograde, Goes (Crab-like) backward.

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1646.  J. Benbrigge, Gods Fury, A ij b. Such was their Crab-like condition.

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1727–38.  Gay, Fables, II. xiv. 26. But, crab-like, rather backward goes.

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1819.  Byron, Venice, i. Thus they creep, Crouching and crab-like.

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1861.  Whyte-Melville, Tilbury Nogo, 355. He crawls first backwards, then sideways, crablike … to the spot.

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