v. /up sweep"/ ; n. /up"sweep'/ , v. , upswept, upsweeping , n.
v.t.
1. to sweep upward.
v.i.
2. to be arranged in an upsweep.
n.
3. a sweeping upward, as an increase in elevation or a steep slope.
4. a hairdo produced by having the hair combed or brushed upward to the top of the head; an upswept hairdo.
5. a strongly pronounced rise in activity, as in business.
6. a curved shape of the lower jaw of some animals.
[ 1885-90; UP- + SWEEP ]