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.]
© Webster 1913.
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.
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. 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.
© Webster 1913. | 
