attributive and in other combinations, as dab hand.
ΘΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [noun] > skilful person > expert
grand master1590
adept1674
dab1691
dabster1708
dab hand1828
dead-hand1848
ringer1848
expert1853
skull1880
1828 W. CarrDial. Craven (ed. 2) Dab-hand, expert at any thing.
1870 M. BridgmanRobert Lynne II. iii. 67 He was a dab hand at water-colours. [The comb. occurs in many dialect glossaries from Lonsdale and Holderness to W. Somerset.]