▪ I. knab, v. Obs. exc. dial.
(næb)
[Imitative: cf. knabble and knap v.2]
1. trans. To bite lightly, to nibble.
| 1668 R. L'Estrange Vis. Quev. (1708) 134 After this Manner these Asses Knab and Curry one another. 1694 ― Fables 11, I had much rather lie knabbing of crusts..in my own little hole. 1879 G. F. Jackson Shropsh. Word-bk., Knab, to bite gently and playfully. Horses knab each other when in good temper. 1887 S. Chesh. Gloss., Knab, to bite, of a horse... ‘I räther think hey knabs a bit’. |
2. intr. To bite, nibble. Const. on, upon.
| 1630 J. Taylor (Water P.) Dogge of War Wks. ii. 227/2 He seru'd his Master..In Holland, Zealand, Brabant..And if his fare were but a Crust, Hee patiently would knab on't. 1692 R. L'Estrange Fables cccxvii. 277 An Ass was Wishing..for..a Mouthful of Fresh Grass to Knab upon. |
▪ II. knab
see nab n. and v.