[f. CRAB sb.1, in reference to the recurved feet by which it hooks itself to its host.] A parasitical insect, Pediculus pubis, or Phthirus inguinalis, which infests parts of the human body.
1547. Boorde, Brev. Health, § 273. Head lyce, body lyce, crabbe lyce, and nits.
1658. Rowland, trans. Moufet’s Theat. Ins., 1099. May be Scaliger meant by a Tike some Lowse like a Crab, or some Crab-lowse in man; for they both breed in the beard and privities, and can very hardly be pulled off.
1861. Hulme, trans. Moquin-Tandon, II. VI. i. 296. The Pubic Louse … which is known by the common name of ‘Crab Louse,’ attaches itself to the hairs of the sexual organs, the arm pits, and even of the eyebrows.
