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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Naut.) An epaulet. [ Sailor's Slang ] Marryat. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A cod, or pod, as of beans or pease. [ Obs. ] Bailey. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. A sponge, or other suitable substance, attached to a long rod or handle, for cleaning the bore of a firearm. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To swab. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ D. zwabber; cf.D. zwabberen to swab, G. schwabbern, Dan. svabre, Sw. svab a swab, svabla to swab. ] 1. One who swabs a floor or desk. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Naut.) Formerly, an interior officer on board of British ships of war, whose business it was to see that the ship was kept clean. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Same as Swobber, 2. [ 1913 Webster ]