swɔb 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']