besom

• The fool also has a besom, which he dips in the gutter, and with which he sprinkles the recalcitrant But among much that is mere horseplay, and common to all popular celebrations which have no religious significance to keep in check a natural holiday exuberance, we can discover two distinct traditions. —  Lynton and Lynmouth A Pageant of Cliff ; Moorland
• I'd never been on an elephant before, to my knowledge, nor had I ever experienced the sensation of the black hair pricking through thin trousers, or the besom of a tail whacking my boots--I consider we entered Bhamo with a good deal of éclat Illustration 4th February.--We all went shopping on the elephant, Captain Kirke kindly showing us round. —  From Edinburgh to India ; Burmah
• Here, however, comes me in a besom which sweeps all the old peccant institutions away at one whisk. —  Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 453 Volume 18, New Series, September 4, 1852
• A scrawny buttermilk-faced young besom, allus askin' questions an' pokin' tha' nose where it wasna' wanted. —  The Secret Garden
• The driver sits flat on the plank, which may or may not be upholstered.--TRANSLATOR 39] The baptismal cross.--TRANSLATOR 40] The bath-besom is made of birch-twigs with the leaves attached, and is soaked in hot water (or in beer) to keep it soft. —  A Reckless Character And Other Stories

Allen's Synonyms and Antonyms

Used in the Same Context