Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SCAB, n. [Sax. scæb, sceb; G. schabe; Sw. skabb; Dan. skab; L. scabies; It. scabbia. It seems to be connected with L. scabo, to rub or scratch, G. schaben, to shave, W. ysgubaw, to sweep, L. scaber, rough, D. schob, a scale.]

1. An incrusted substance, dry and rough, formed over a sore in healing.
2. The mange in horses; a disease of sheep.
3. A mean, dirty, paltry fellow. [Low.] – Shak.