Grub /(grŭb)/

Grub

v. i.

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.

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]

Grub

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