dabdæb(v.; n.)dabbed, dab•bing

1. (v.t.)to pat or tap gently:

   I dabbed my eyes with a handkerchief.

2. to apply (a substance) by light strokes.

3. to strike, esp. lightly.

4. (v.i.)to strike lightly; make a dab; pat:

   She dabbed at the stain on her dress.

5. (n.)a quick or light pat, as with something soft.

6. a small lump or quantity:

   a dab of powder.

Origin of dab:

1250–1300; cf. Norw dabbe shuffle along, G tappen grope

dab′ber(n.)

dabdæb(n.)

1. any of several flatfishes of the genus Limanda, esp. the European flatfish

   L. limanda.

   Category: Ichthyology

Origin of dab:

1570–80; of obscure orig.

DAB

1. Dictionary of American Biography.