I.
n.
In English, the word slab, as appliedto timber, means «an outside piece taken from a log in sawingit into boards, planks, etc.» (`Webster.') In Australia, theword is very common, and denotes a piece of timber, two orthree inches thick a coarse plank, axe-hewn, not sawn. Usedfor the walls of rough houses.
1844. `Port Phillip Patriot,' July 25, p. 3 col. 5:
A substantial slab building with verandah.»
1845. `Voyage to Port Phillip,' p. 52:
«His slab-built hut, with roof of bark.»
1846. J. L. Stokes, `Discoveries in Australia,' vol. i.c. ix. p. 266:
«The house in which this modern Robinson Crusoe dwelt was whatis called a Slab Hut, formed of rough boards and thatched withgrass.»
1861. Mrs. Meredith, `Over the Straits,' c. iv. p. 130:
«A bare, rough, barn-like edifice built of slabs.»
1869. J. Townend, `Reminiscences of Australia,' p. 155:
«We passed through Studley Park, with here and there a slabhouse or tent.»
1874. G. Walch, `Head over Heels,' p. 81:
«The moonlight . . . poured on the hut, slabs an' roof.»
1885. R. M. Praed, `Australian Life,' p. 8:
«The hut was built of logs and slabs.»
[p. 73]: «The usual bush-hut of slabs and bark.»
[p.144]:«The neighbours congregated in the rough hut ofunplaned slabs.»
1890. Rolf Boldrewood, `The Miner's Right,' c. vi. p. 61:
«Slab huts of split heavy boards, Australian fashion, placedvertically.»
II.
v. tr.
mining term: to keep up the sidesof a shaft with timber slabs.
1871. J. J. Simpson, `Recitations,' p. 24:
«So dig away, drive away, slab and bail.»