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.
[ back-form. f. swabber f. early mod.Du. zwabber f. a Gmc base = 'splash, sway' ]