Grub — Defs

01 v. i. To dig in or under the ground, generally for an object that is difficult to reach or extricate; to be occupied in digging.

imp. & p. p. Grubbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Grubbing

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.

02 v. t. To dig; to dig up by the roots; to root out by digging; -- followed by up; as, to grub up trees, rushes, or sedge.

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]

03 n. The larva of an insect, especially of a beetle; -- called also grubworm. See Illust. of Goldsmith beetle, under Goldsmith.

1.
The larva of an insect, especially of a beetle; -- called also grubworm. See Illust. of Goldsmith beetle, under Goldsmith.(Zool.) Also: grubworm See: Goldsmith
“Yet your butterfly was a grub.” — Shak.
2.
A short, thick man; a dwarf.[Obs.]
3.
Victuals; food.[Slang]
“I 'd sooner ballads write, and grubstreet lays.” — Gap.