Grub (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Grubbed (?), p. pr. & vb. n. Grubbing ().] [OE. grubbin., cf. E. grab, grope.]
1.
To dig in or under the ground, generally for an object that is difficult to reach or extricate; to be occupied in digging.
2.
To drudge; to do menial work.
Richardson.
© Webster 1913.
Grub, v. t.
1.
To dig; to dig up by the roots; to root out by digging; -- followed by up; as, to grub up trees, rushes, or sedge.
They do not attempt to grub up the root of sin.
Hare.
2.
To supply with food.
[Slang]
Dickens.
© Webster 1913.
Grub, n.
1. Zool.
The larva of an insect, especially of a beetle; -- called also grubworm. See Illust. of Goldsmith beetle, under Goldsmith.
Yet your butterfly was a grub.
Shak.
2.
A short, thick man; a dwarf.
[Obs.]
Carew.
3.
Victuals; food.
[Slang]
Halliwell.
Grub ax ∨ axe, a kind of mattock used in grubbing up roots, etc. -- Grub breaker. Same as Grub hook (below). -- Grub hoe, a heavy hoe for grubbing. -- Grub hook, a plowlike implement for uprooting stumps, breaking roots, etc. -- Grub saw, a handsaw used for sawing marble. -- Grub Street, a street in London (now called Milton Street), described by Dr. Johnson as "much inhabited by writers of small histories, dictionaries, and temporary poems, whence any mean production is called grubstreet." As an adjective, suitable to, or resembling the production of, Grub Street.
I 'd sooner ballads write, and grubstreet lays.
Gap.
© Webster 1913.