·noun ·same·as Swobber, 2.
II. Swabber ·noun One who swabs a floor or desk.
III. Swabber ·vt To Swab.
IV. Swabber ·noun Formerly, an interior officer on board of British ships of war, whose business it was to see that the ship was kept clean.
Formerly a petty officer on board ships of war, whose employment was to see that the decks were kept...
The Sailor's Word-Book
A reproachful term for an idle sailor. ...