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Webster 1913 Edition

Swab

Swab

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Swabbed
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Swabbing
.]
[See
Swabber
,
Noun.
]
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

,
Noun.
[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 1828 Edition

Swab

SWAB

,
Noun.
A mop for cleaning floors; on board of ships, a large mop or bunch or old rope yarn, used to clean the deck and cabin.

SWAB

,
Verb.
T.
[supra.] To clean with mop; to wipe when wet or after washing; as, to swab the deck of a ship.

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