Besom

/ˈbiːzəm/
noun

A broom made of twigs tied together on a long handle.

She used the besom to clean the house.
Visual representation of "besom" - A broom made of twigs tied together on a long handle.

Often appears as...

  • sweep with a besom
  • make a besom
noun

A contemptuous term for a woman.

He unjustly referred to her as a besom.
Visual representation of "besom" - A contemptuous term for a woman.

Often appears as...

  • old besom
  • foolish besom

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

noun

A broom made of twigs tied together on a long handle.

She used the besom to clean the house.
Visual representation of "besom" - A broom made of twigs tied together on a long handle.

Often appears as...

  • sweep with a besom
  • make a besom
noun

A contemptuous term for a woman.

He unjustly referred to her as a besom.
Visual representation of "besom" - A contemptuous term for a woman.

Often appears as...

  • old besom
  • foolish besom

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "besom"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Traditional Tool

Originally, a besom was a common household cleaning tool, often associated with rustic or older times.

Illustration for Traditional Tool
In historical novels, characters often sweep cottages using a besom.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Symbol

A besom can symbolize traditional witchcraft, often seen with witches in stories.

Illustration for Cultural Symbol
Witches in folklore are frequently depicted flying on besoms.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Rural Imagery

Besoms evoke a rural or countryside image, contrasting with modern cleaning devices.

Illustration for Rural Imagery
He crafted a besom to maintain the authentic look of his farmhouse.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Traditional Tool

Originally, a besom was a common household cleaning tool, often associated with rustic or older times.

Illustration for Traditional Tool
In historical novels, characters often sweep cottages using a besom.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Symbol

A besom can symbolize traditional witchcraft, often seen with witches in stories.

Illustration for Cultural Symbol
Witches in folklore are frequently depicted flying on besoms.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Rural Imagery

Besoms evoke a rural or countryside image, contrasting with modern cleaning devices.

Illustration for Rural Imagery
He crafted a besom to maintain the authentic look of his farmhouse.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Traditional Tool

Originally, a besom was a common household cleaning tool, often associated with rustic or older times.

Illustration for Traditional Tool
In historical novels, characters often sweep cottages using a besom.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Symbol

A besom can symbolize traditional witchcraft, often seen with witches in stories.

Illustration for Cultural Symbol
Witches in folklore are frequently depicted flying on besoms.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Rural Imagery

Besoms evoke a rural or countryside image, contrasting with modern cleaning devices.

Illustration for Rural Imagery
He crafted a besom to maintain the authentic look of his farmhouse.
Visual representation of the word "Besom"

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