tabnab

Definition

A small item of food offered at break times, normally the morning break.

Etymology

Nautical slang of obscure origin. Attested from the 20th century. Compare nab and possibly table.

Example Sentences

• "He comes outside when weather's fine / To hang his singlets on the line, / And then returns - he needs no bell - / The scouse, or Sunday's duff to share; / The stokers tabnabs need his care; / The sea sounds far away in there, / Ssssssssh, like the hush in a conch-shell."