Definitions

Sorry, no definitions found. Check out and contribute to the discussion of this word!

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word wet the swab.

Examples

    Sorry, no example sentences found.

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.

  • "'But I beg your pardon. You were speaking of wetting a swab.'

    'Oh, yes. It is a cant expression we have in the Navy. The swab is this' -- patting his epaulette -- 'and when we first ship it, we wet it: that is to say, we drink a bottle or two of wine.'"

    --Master and Commander, p. 24

    July 29, 2011