rub-a-dub

Noun

rubadub (countable and uncountable, plural rubadubs)

1. The sound of a drum being continuously beaten.
   • There would be a deafening rub-a-dub of drums and blowing of shell-trumpets.1911, James George Frazer, The Golden Bough, volume 9, page 189
2. (broadly) A clamorous, repeated sound; a clatter.
   • July 17 1850, Daniel Webster, "a speech", documented in Notes and Queries
     the rubadub of the abolition presses
3. A Jamaican style of dance with suggestive rubbing or grinding motions.
4. (Cockney, slang) A pub or club.
   • The first rub-a-dub on this tour of hostelries is remarkable in many ways. The Black Lion at 59 High Street, Plaistow, E13 (see entry), dates from the 15th century and was rebuilt as a coaching inn in 1875.2011, Roger Protz, Good Beer Guide
5. (slang) A drunkard.
   • We got to the bar on Eleventh Avenue and walked in. It was empty except for the fat old bartender and a few old rubadubs on the stools at the bar.2014, Nolan Whyte, Among The Humans

   Synonyms:

   rubby-dub

See all 6 meanings of rubadub