Besom
['biːz(ə)m;'bɪz-] or ['bizəm]
Definition
(n.) A brush of twigs for sweeping; a broom; anything which sweeps away or destroys.
(v. t.) To sweep, as with a besom.
Editor: Roxanne
Definition
n. an implement for sweeping a broom: any cleansing or purifying agent: (Scot.) a term of reproach for a woman.—ns. Bē′som-head a blockhead; Bē′som-rid′er a witch.—To jump the besom (see Broom).
Checker: Pamela
Examples
- I was quite strook to hear you'd agreed to it, ma'am, that I was, continued the besom-maker. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- Twould be more seemly in ye to stand still and welcome Mis'ess Yeobright, and you the venerablest here, Grandfer Cantle, said the besom-woman. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- This house was the home of Olly Dowden, the besom-maker, and he entered. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- Very often the case, said Olly, the besom-maker. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
Edited by Aaron