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swept |
3 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Sweep \Sweep\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Swept}; p. pr & vb n. {Sweeping}.] [OE. swepen; akin to AS sw[=a]pan. See {Swoop}, v. i.] 1. 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. I will sweep it with the besom of destruction. --Isa. xiv. 23. 2. 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. The hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies. --Isa. xxviii. 17. I have already swept the stakes. --Dryden. 3. To brush against or over to rub lightly along Their long descending train, With rubies edged and sapphires, swept the plain. --Dryden. 4. To carry with a long, swinging, or dragging motion; hence to carry in a stately or proud fashion. And like a peacock sweep along his tail. --Shak. 5. To strike with a long stroke. Wake into voice each silent string, And sweep the sounding lyre. --Pope. 6. (Naut.) To draw or drag something over as to sweep the bottom of a river with a net. 7. To pass over or traverse, with the eye or with an instrument of observation; as to sweep the heavens with a telescope. {To sweep, or sweep up}, {a mold} (Founding), to form the sand into a mold by a templet, instead of compressing it around the pattern. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Swept \Swept\, imp. & p. p. of {Sweep}. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: swept adj : possessing sweep; "the sleek swept wings of the plane" [ant: {unswept}]
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