Category:Swab

Swab, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Swabbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Swabbing.] Etym: [see swabber, n.]

Defn: to clean with a mop or swab; to wipe when very wet, as after Washing; as, to swab the desk of a ship. [spelt also swob.]

Swab Swab, n. Etym: [written also swob.]

1. A kind of mop for cleaning floors, the desks of vessels, etc., Esp. one made of rope-yarns or threads.

2. A bit of sponge, cloth, or the like, fastened to a handle, for Cleansing the mouth of a sick person, applying medicaments to deep- Seated parts, etc.

3. (naut.)

Defn: an epaulet. [sailor's slang] marryat.

4. A cod, or pod, as of beans or pease. [obs.] Bailey.

5. A sponge, or other suitable substance, attached to a long rod or Handle, for cleaning the bore of a firearm.