Meaning
The black land crab, dark-shelled and much prized for eating — famously associated with certain districts (Portland Cottage and the south coast) whose black crabs are sought after island-wide. Caught as it comes out to roam, especially in the rains, the black crab is cleaned and cooked into a rich, peppery run-down or curry, or backed and stuffed. In season, vendors sell them live, tied in bunches, at the roadside.
Examples
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Dem sell black crab tie up pon di roadside.
They sell black crabs tied up at the roadside.
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Black crab an rice a serious dinner.
Black crab and rice is a serious dinner.
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Crab come out inna di rain fi ketch.
The crabs come out in the rain to be caught.
Origin
From 'black' + 'crab'; the prized black land crab. See [[land-crab]], [[soldier-crab]].
How it’s used
The prized dark-shelled land crab, eaten curried/run-down. See [[land-crab]], [[soldier-crab]].