Swab \Swab\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Swabbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Swabbing.]

[See Swabber, n.]

To clean with a mop or swab; to wipe when very wet, as after washing; as, to swab the desk of a ship. [Spelt also swob.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Swab \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. [Sailor's Slang] --Marryat.

4. A cod, or pod, as of beans or pease. [Obs.]

--Bailey.

5. A sponge, or other suitable substance, attached to a long rod or handle, for cleaning the bore of a firearm.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)