grub
UK[ɡrʌb]US[ɡrʌb]
n
The larva of an insect, especially a beetle
n
Food
v
To dig in the ground, especially in search of something
Etymology
The word 'grub' has a straightforward yet vivid etymological journey from Old English. It originates from the Proto-Germanic verb grubb-, meaning "to dig" or "to scratch". This action is the literal foundation for its meanings: the insect larva is so named because it appears to dig or burrow in the ground or wood, and the informal sense for "food" humorously derives from the idea of basic sustenance one digs for or grubs up. Over centuries, the word narrowed from the general action of digging to specifically name the creature associated with that action and, by metaphorical extension, the most basic form of nourishment.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Germanic origin. The Old English form was grubbian, meaning "to dig". The noun senses for a larva and for food developed from this core action.
Examples
The chickens were pecking at grubs in the soil.
Let's go get some grub; I'm starving.
He had to grub around in the attic to find the old photo album.