A besom is a type of broom that has been used for centuries to sweep floors and clean up debris. It is often associated with witches and magic, but it has many practical uses as well. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of besom.
Definitions
A besom is a broom made of twigs tied to a wooden handle. It is typically used for sweeping floors and cleaning up debris. The word “besom” is often used interchangeably with “broom,” but technically, a besom is a specific type of broom made from natural materials.
Origin
The word “besom” comes from the Old English word “besema,” which means “bundle of twigs.” The besom has been used for centuries in various cultures, including in Europe, where it was used for sweeping floors and cleaning up debris. In some cultures, besoms were also used for ceremonial purposes, such as in weddings and funerals.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, a besom is “a broom made of twigs tied to a handle.” Oxford Dictionary defines it as “a broom made of a bundle of twigs attached to a long handle.” Collins Dictionary describes it as “a broom made of a bundle of twigs fastened to a handle.”
Associations
Besoms are often associated with witches and magic, as they have been used in various pagan rituals for centuries. In some cultures, besoms were believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and negative energy. Today, besoms are still used in some modern witchcraft practices, where they are used to “sweep away” negative energy and purify a space.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of besom include broom, brush, sweeper, and whisk.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of besom, but some related words that could be considered opposites include vacuum cleaner, mop, and duster.
The same root words
The word “besom” comes from the Old English word “besema,” which is related to the Old Norse word “beysa,” which means “bundle of birch twigs.” The word “broom” also has a similar root, coming from the Old English word “brome,” which means “brushwood.”
Example Sentences
- She swept the floor with a besom made of birch twigs.
- The witch used a besom to sweep the negative energy out of the room.
- He grabbed the besom and began sweeping up the broken glass.
- The besom was a traditional wedding gift in some cultures.
- She hung the besom on the wall as a decoration.