sweep

I

[[t]swip[/t]]

v. swept, sweep•ing, n.

1) to remove (dust, dirt, etc.) with a broom, brush, or the like

2) to clear (a floor, room, chimney, etc.) of dirt, litter, or the like, using a broom or brush

3) to drive or carry by some steady force, as of a wind or wave

4) to pass or draw over a surface with a continuous stroke or movement:

The painter swept a brush over his canvas[/ex]

5) to make (a path, opening, etc.) with or as if with a broom

6) to clear (a surface, place, etc.) (often fol. by of):

to sweep the sea of enemy ships[/ex]

7) (of winds, a flood, etc.) to pass over (a surface, region, etc.) with a steady, driving movement

8) to search (an area or building) thoroughly

9) to direct a gaze, the eyes, etc., over (a region, area, etc.)

10) to win decisively in (a contest or series of contests)

11) to sweep a floor, room, etc., with or as if with a broom

12) to move swiftly and forcefully (usu. fol. by along, into, etc.)

13) to move or extend in a wide curve or circuit:

His glance swept around the room[/ex]

14) naut. navig. to conduct an underwater search by towing a drag under the surface of the water

15) the act of sweeping with or as if with a broom

16) the steady, driving motion of something:

the sweep of the wind[/ex]

17) a swinging or curving movement or stroke, as of the arm or an oar

18) a continuous extent or stretch

19) bui mac a leverlike device for raising or lowering a bucket in a well

20) naut. navig. a large oar used in small vessels, sometimes to assist the rudder or to propel the craft

21) an overwhelming victory in a contest

22) a winning of all the games, prizes, etc., in a contest by one contestant

23) spo

end run 1)

24) agr. any of the detachable triangular blades on a cultivator

25) brit.

chimney sweep

26) gam

a) (in whist) the winning of all the tricks in a hand

Compare slam II

b) (in casino) a pairing or combining, and hence taking, of all the cards on the board

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Etymology: 1250–1300; ME swepen (v.); cf. OE geswēpa sweepings, der. of swāpan to sweep, c. OFrisswēpa, OSswēpan, OHG sweifan, ONsveipa II

sweep

[[t]swip[/t]] n.

sts

sweeps 1)

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Etymology: 1845–55; by shortening