Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1800-1900
Origin: Drib probably from drib 'to fall in small drops'; DRIBBLE1. Drabs probably from dribs

dribs and drabs

 noun
     
dribs and drabs

in dribs and drabs

in small irregular amounts or numbers over a period of time:
The guests arrived in dribs and drabs.
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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