GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Swab (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Swabbed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Swabbing.] [See Swabber, n.] 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.]
   
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2.       
   Swab, n. [Written also swob.]
   1. A kind of mop for cleaning floors, the desks of vessels, etc., esp. one made of rope-yarns or threads.
   
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   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.
   
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   3. (Naut.) An epaulet. [Sailor's Slang]  Marryat.
   
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   4. A cod, or pod, as of beans or pease. [Obs.]  Bailey.
   
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   5. A sponge, or other suitable substance, attached to a long rod or handle, for cleaning the bore of a firearm.
   
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