n. & v. (also swob)
--n.
1. a mop or other absorbent device for cleaning or mopping up.
2 a an absorbent pad used in surgery. b a specimen of a possibly morbid secretion taken with a swab for examination.
3 sl. a term of contempt for a person.
--v.tr. (swabbed, swabbing)
1. clean with a swab.
2 (foll. by up) absorb (moisture) with a swab.
Etymology: back-form. f. swabber f. early mod.Du. zwabber f. a Gmc base 'splash, sway'