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.