Search the Dictionary

broom; anything which sweeps away or destroys. [Archaic or Fig.] I will sweep it with the besom of destruction. Isa. xiv. 23. The housemaid with her besom. W. Irving.

One who uses a besom. [Archaic]

Having the form of a broom or besom. "Zeolite, stelliform or scopiform." Kirwan.

Of or pertaining to society; social. The all-sweeping besom of societarian reformation. Lamb.

sweep a floor, the street, or a chimney. Used also figuratively. I will sweep it with the besom of destruction. Isa. xiv. 23.

unch of grass, straw, twigs, hair, or the like, used for a brush; hence, a brush or small besom, as of broom corn.

e winds over the steppes of Tartary. Cf. Tumbleweed. Maunder (Treas. of Bot.) -- Witches' besoms (Bot.), tufted and distorted branches of the silver fir, caused by the attack of some fungus. Maunder (Treas. of Bot.) -- Witches' butter (Bot.), a name of several gelatinous cryptogamous plants, as Nostoc commune, and Exid…