besom

[bee-zuhm]

noun

1. a broom, especially one of brush or twigs.

2. broom.

besom

¹

/ ˈbiːzəm /

noun

1. a broom, esp one made of a bundle of twigs tied to a handle

2. curling a broom or brush used to sweep the ice in front of the stone to make it slide farther

verb

1. to sweep with a besom

besom

²

/ ˈbizəm, ˈbɪzəm /

noun

1. dialect,  a derogatory term for a woman

Word History and Origins

Origin of besom¹

before 1000; Middle English besem, Old English bes ( e ) ma; cognate with Dutch bezem, German Besen

Word History and Origins

Origin of besom¹

Old English besma ; related to Old High German besmo broom

Origin of besom²

perhaps from Old English bysen example; related to Old Norse bysn wonder

Example Sentences

There was a flicker like green fire in his eyes, and his beard stood out stiff as a great besom.

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He shall be swept with the besom of destruction.

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They have need of a besom that sweep the house with a turf.

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Arnold's store was situate in Lower Cove, where the sewing machine factory adjoining John E. Turnbull's sash factory stood, till the late besom of fire swept it away.

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I will sweep it with the besom of destruction.

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Related Words

• broom 
• toothbrush