English Explanatory Dictionary

besom

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A broom made from a bundle of twigs tied onto a shaft.
  2. A troublesome woman.
  3. Any cleansing or purifying agent.
verb
  1. To sweep.

Pronunciation

/ˈbiː.zəm/ /ˈbɛ.zəm/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-besom.wav

Word forms

besom besoms beesom besoming besomed

Etymology

From Middle English besme, beseme, from Old English besma, besema (“besom, broom, rod”), from Proto-West Germanic *besmō (“broom”).

Derived words

besomer besom-head besomlike besom pocket witch's besom
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