besom

[ bee-zuhm ]

noun

1. a broom, especially one of brush or twigs.
2. broom ( def 2 ).

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.

From Literature

He shall be swept with the besom of destruction.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

I will sweep it with the besom of destruction.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• broom
• toothbrush