[f. CRAB v.1, 2 + -ING1.] The action of the vb. CRAB.

1

  † 1.  Vexing, embittering; hence, vexation, crossness. Sc. Obs.

2

c. 1450.  Wisdome of Sol., 646. Better is crabing na blythnes or laiching.

3

1529.  Lyndesay, Complaynt, 32. I wyll nocht flyte … For crabyng of thy Celsitude.

4

1535.  Stewart, Cron. Scot., II. 187. Aurelius … sufferit thame of his benignitie, With[out] crabing or ȝit crudelitie. Ibid., III. 84. Greit wrang he wrocht in his crabing and ire.

5

1573.  J. Davidson, Brief Commend., xliv. The feid of fremmit and craibing of ȝour kin.

6

  2.  Adverse criticism, ‘pulling to pieces,’ detraction. See CRAB v.2 2.

7