from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Dab \Dab\ (d[a^]b), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Dabbed} (d[a^]bd); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Dabbing}.] [OE. dabben to strice; akin to OD.
dabben to pinch, knead, fumble, dabble, and perh. to G.
tappen to grope.]
1. To strike or touch gently, as with a soft or moist
substance; to tap; hence, to besmear with a dabber.
[1913 Webster]
A sore should . . . be wiped . . . only by dabbing
it over with fine lint. --S. Sharp.
[1913 Webster]
2. To strike by a thrust; to hit with a sudden blow or
thrust. "To dab him in the neck." --Sir T. More.
[1913 Webster]