The eradication of “grubs.” The word goes back as far as the ‘Promptorium Parvulorum,’ ab. 1440: N.E.D.
1725. Grubbing, a term used in agriculture, and signifies the cleaning of Ground of Stubs, &c.—Bradley, ‘Fam. Dict.’ (N.E.D.)
1779. A quantity of good meadowland, part of which is already grubbed.—Advt., Maryland Journal, Jan. 26.
1823. To root up the small roots, which is called grubbing, so as to render the land fit for the plough; and the grubbings are to be burnt.—W. Faux, ‘Memorable Days in America,’ p. 320 (Lond.).
1829. Several young men were returning from a grubbing frolic [near Muncy, Pa.].—Mass. Spy, Dec. 2: from the Lycoming Gazette.
1838. In the states of Indiana and Illinois, the grubbing of the road has been completed.—Mr. Boon of Indiana, House of Repr., April 11: Cong. Globe, p. 298.
