Besom

/ˈbɛzəm/ noun

A broom made of twigs tied together, traditionally used for sweeping; a woman considered slovenly or immoral (offensive archaic insult).

Old English 'besma,' related to Proto-Germanic roots. The word may be connected to 'bass' (the plant used for binding). The broom meaning is straightforward; the insulting meaning developed later in British slang.

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