crab·by I. \ˈkrabē, -bi\adjective (-er/-est) Etymology: in sense 1, from crab (IV) + -y; in sense 2, from crab (VI) + -y 1.obsolete: crooked, rough, perplexing 2.: cross, churlish, ill-natured II. adjective (-er/-est) Etymology:crab (I) + -y 1.: resembling a crab 2.: abounding in crabs