1. hard crusts that form over wounds as they heal
Usage: plural of scab
2. workers who continue to work during a strike or who take the jobs of striking workers
Usage: informal; often considered derogatory

Examples

• The scabs on his knees were starting to heal.
• Don’t pick at your scabs or they won’t heal properly.
• The cut formed several small scabs within a few days.
• The union members were angry about the scabs crossing the picket line.
• Management hired scabs to keep the factory running during the strike.
• She carefully cleaned around the scabs on her elbow.
• The workers called anyone who didn’t join the strike scabs.