Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DAB, v.t. [Fr. dauber, or from the same root. It has the elements of dip, dub and tap, Gr. τυπτω, and of daub. Class Db, No. 3, 21, 28, 58.]

1. To strike gently with the hand; to slap; to box. – Bailey.
2. To strike gently with some soft or moist substance; as, to dab a sore with lint. – Sharp.