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. Marryat.
4. A cod, or pod, as of beans or pease. Bailey.
5. A sponge, or other suitable substance, attached to a long rod or handle, for cleaning the bore of a firearm.