swabbing

noun

1. a yarn mop, usually used wet, for cleaning decks, floors, etc.
2. 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
3. a brush, wad of cloth, etc. on a long handle, for cleaning the barrel of a gun
4. Slang a clumsy, loutish person
5. Slang
   also swabbie or swabby
   1. a sailor
   2. ☆ an enlisted man in the U.S. Navy

Origin: contr. < swabber

transitive verb swabbed, swabbing