ˈswabbing, vbl. n.
[f. swab v.1 + -ing1.]
The action of swab v.1; cleaning with (or as with) a swab or mop; the use of a swab or swabs. Also concr. (see quot. 1891).
| 1840 R. H. Dana Bef. Mast xiv, The washing, swabbing, squilgeeing, etc., etc. 1872 O. W. Holmes Poet Breakf.-t. xi, Sparrows..keep up such a swashing and swabbing..round..the water basins. 1876 J. S. Bristowe Theory & Pract. Med. (1878) 215 The larynx must be treated..by ‘swabbing’. 1891 Labour Commission Gloss., Swabbing, that which is swept up by the swab, a mop used for cleaning the floors in woollen mills. 1921 W. H. Jeffery Deep Well Drilling xii. 338 Swabbing and agitating are sometimes effective in causing wells to resume flowing. 1930 [see swab n.1 1 f]. 1974 P. L. Moore et al. Drilling Practices Manual xii. 302 When a viscous mud is being used, additional mud weight may be required because of swabbing. |
| attrib. 1880 Baring-Gould Mehalah vii. (1884) 93 She caught up a swabbing-mop. |