squab
squab Lexical Profile
squab Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A young, unfledged domestic pigeon (family Columbidae), typically under four weeks old and not yet able to fly.
"The parent pigeons take turns feeding the helpless squab inside the dovecote."
The tender, dark meat of a young domestic pigeon, prized as a culinary delicacy and prepared by roasting, braising, or grilling.
"The French bistro served roasted squab with a wild mushroom and cherry reduction."
A thick, densely stuffed cushion used on the seat of a chair, sofa, or vehicle, or a low, thickly padded sofa or ottoman.
"She reupholstered the worn leather squab on the vintage dining chair."
• adjective
Short and thickset; plump or fat, or (of a young bird) newly hatched and unfledged.
"The antique armchair had a low, squab frame that made it surprisingly comfortable."
• Rhymes for squab
Word Origin & Etymology
Attested since the early 17th century, probably of Scandinavian origin (compare dialectal Swedish skvabb, meaning 'something loose or fat' and skvabba, 'a fat woman'), originally referring to anything soft, plump, or unfledged.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.