subs. (old).—1.  See quot.

1

  1815.  SCOTT, Guy Mannering, xxviii. The people got rusty about it, and would not deal, and they had bought so many BROOMS [got so many warrants out] that——. Ibid., xxxiii. (II., 96). What are you wanting here? ye’ll be come wi’ a BROOM in your pocket frae Ellangowan?

2

  2.  (venery).—The female pudendum: see MONOSYLLABLE. Hence BROOMSTICK (or BROOM-HANDLE) = the penis: see PRICK.

3

  Verb. (old).—To run away.

4

  1821.  W. T. MONCRIEFF, Tom and Jerry, 6. Tom. That will do—now then Dicky, mizzle!—be scarce!—BROOM! Prime. Wouldn’t intrude a moment, gentlemen, good morning—order my carriage.

5

  A NEW BROOM SWEEPS CLEAN, phr. (old).—Zeal is to be expected of one new to an office.

6

  1546.  HEYWOOD, Proverbs. NEW BROME SWEPTH CLEENE.

7

  1571.  EDWARDS, Damon and Pithias [DODSLEY, Old Plays (REED), i., 233.] For wot you what? A NEW BROOME SWEEPES CLEANE.

8