swab

noun

a yarn mop, usually used wet, for cleaning decks, floors, etc.
1. a small piece of cotton, cloth, sponge, etc. used to apply medicine to, or clean discharged matter from, the throat, mouth, etc.
2. matter collected in this way
a brush, wad of cloth, etc. on a long handle, for cleaning the barrel of a gun
Slang a clumsy, loutish person
Slang
also swabbie or swabby
1. a sailor
2. ☆ an enlisted man in the U.S. Navy

transitive verb swabbed, swabbing

to use a swab on; clean, medicate, etc. with a swab

See swab in American Heritage Dictionary 4