Sweep(v. i.)
- To pass a broom across (a surface) so as to remove loose dirt, dust, etc.; to brush, or rub over, with a broom for the purpose of cleaning; as, to sweep a floor, the street, or a chimney. Used also figuratively.
Sweep(v. i.)
- To drive or carry along or off with a broom or a brush, or as if with a broom; to remove by, or as if by, brushing; as, to sweep dirt from a floor; the wind sweeps the snow from the hills; a freshet sweeps away a dam, timber, or rubbish; a pestilence sweeps off multitudes.
Sweep(v. i.)
- To brush against or over; to rub lightly along.
Sweep(v. i.)
- To carry with a long, swinging, or dragging motion; hence, to carry in a stately or proud fashion.
Sweep(v. i.)
- To draw or drag something over; as, to sweep the bottom of a river with a net.
Sweep(v. i.)
- To pass over, or traverse, with the eye or with an instrument of observation; as, to sweep the heavens with a telescope.
Sweep(v. i.)
- To clean rooms, yards, etc., or to clear away dust, dirt, litter, etc., with a broom, brush, or the like.
Sweep(v. i.)
- To brush swiftly over the surface of anything; to pass with switness and force, as if brushing the surface of anything; to move in a stately manner; as, the wind sweeps across the plain; a woman sweeps through a drawing-room.
Sweep(v. i.)
- To pass over anything comprehensively; to range through with rapidity; as, his eye sweeps through space.
Sweep(n.)
- A long pole, or piece of timber, moved on a horizontal fulcrum fixed to a tall post and used to raise and lower a bucket in a well for drawing water.
Sweep(n.)
- In the game of casino, a pairing or combining of all the cards on the board, and so removing them all; in whist, the winning of all the tricks (thirteen) in a hand; a slam.
Sweep(n.)
- The sweeping of workshops where precious metals are worked, containing filings, etc.
Sweeping(a.)
- Cleaning off surfaces, or cleaning away dust, dirt, or litter, as a broom does; moving with swiftness and force; carrying everything before it; including in its scope many persons or things; as, a sweeping flood; a sweeping majority; a sweeping accusation.