stæb v. & n. --v. (stabbed, stabbing) 1 tr.
pierce or wound
with a (usu. short)
pointed tool or
weapon e.g. a
knife or
dagger. 2 intr. (often foll. by at)
aim a blow with
such a weapon. 3 intr.
cause a
sensation like
being stabbed (stabbing pain). 4 tr.
hurt or
distress (a
person, feelings,
conscience, etc.). 5 intr. (foll. by at) aim a blow at a person's
reputation, etc. --n. 1 a an
instance of stabbing. b a blow or
thrust with a knife etc. 2 a wound
made in
this way. 3 a blow or
pain inflicted on a person's feelings. 4 colloq. an
attempt, a
try. østab in
the back n. a
treacherous or slanderous
attack. --v.tr.
slander or
betray. øøstabber n. [ME:
cf.
dial. stob in
sense 1 of v.]