Suzie COBOL = S = swap

swab /swob/

[From the mnemonic for the PDP-11 `SWAp Byte' instruction, as immortalized in the dd(1) option conv=swab (see dd)] 1. vt. To solve the NUXI problem by swapping bytes in a file. 2. n. The program in V7 Unix used to perform this action, or anything functionally equivalent to it. See also big-endian, little-endian, middle-endian, bytesexual.

--The Jargon File version 4.3.1, ed. ESR, autonoded by rescdsk.

Swab (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Swabbed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Swabbing.] [See Swabber, n.]

To clean with a mop or swab; to wipe when very wet, as after washing; as, to swab the desk of a ship.

[Spelt also swob.]

 

© Webster 1913.


Swab, n. [Written also swob.]

1.

A kind of mop for cleaning floors, the desks of vessels, etc., esp. one made of rope-yarns or threads.

2.

A bit of sponge, cloth, or the like, fastened to a handle, for cleansing the mouth of a sick person, applying medicaments to deep-seated parts, etc.

3. Naut.

An epaulet.

[Sailor's Slang]

Marryat.

4.

A cod, or pod, as of beans or pease.

[Obs.]

Bailey.

5.

A sponge, or other suitable substance, attached to a long rod or handle, for cleaning the bore of a firearm.

 

© Webster 1913.

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