SWABBER. Formerly a petty officer on board ships of war, whose employment was to see that the decks were kept clean. Also, a man formerly appointed to use the swabs in drying up the decks. He was sometimes called ship's sweeper; more commonly captain of swabbers.
SWAB-ROPE. A line bent to the eye of a swab for dipping it overboard in washing it.
SWAB-WASHER. The principal swab-washer, or captain of the head, in large ships.
SWAB-WRINGERS. People appointed to wash the swabs and wring them out, ready for use.
SWAD, or Swadkin. A newly raised soldier. Also, a fish-basket.
SWADDIE. A discharged soldier.
SWAGG, To. To sink down by its own weight; to move heavily or bend. Synonymous with sagg. Also, the bellying of a heavy rope.
SWAKE. A provincial term for a pump-handle.
SWALLOW. The score of a block.
SWALLOW'S TAIL. In fortification, an old form of outwork, having its front broken into a re-entering angle, and its two long flanks converging towards the rear.