Definition of the word scab

The word "scab" originally referred to a piece of bark or hard, rough material that had peeled off bark or skin. This usage dates back to Old English, where the word "sCEEF" was used to describe such material. However, by the 14th century, the word had taken on a more specific meaning in the context of labor disputes. In this context, a scab was someone who crossed a picket line and worked during a labor strike. The term was pejorative, as these individuals were often seen as betraying their fellow workers by continuing to work and earning a wage. The use of the term "scab" to describe someone who betrays others extends beyond labor strikes, however. In some contexts, it is used to describe someone who betrays a cause or principle, such as a politician who switches parties or a person who breaks a promise. In summary, the word "scab" originally described a piece of bark or rough material, but it has come to be associated with betrayal of principles, particularly in the context of labor disputes.