A mop; esp. one for cleaning a cannon.

= scourer, n.2 5; also transferred (jocular).

A wad or sponge for cleaning out the bore of a gun; a ramrod fitted with such a contrivance.

A kind of mop or swab for cleansing a cannon-bore after firing.

= scouring-stick n.

(a) the staff of an artillery sponge; (b) the staff of a sponge-hook.

a cylindrical or conical brush for cleaning the bore of a gun.

a bunch of rope or fabric saturated with water and used on a pole to cool and wipe a gun after firing, or to douse a house fire.

a rod fitted with a piece of cloth or tow for cleaning out the bore of a gun.

= wiping-rod n. at wiping, n. compounds 2.

a rod used to wash out a gun.

(a) (see quots.); (b) a thin piece of spongy material used for cleaning; (c) a type of cotton fabric (see quot. 1957).

A cylindrical brush or cleaner for cleaning out the bore of a firearm; a soft brush for wetting the mould in founding.

= wiping-stick n.