to a superior military officer.
A man of a higher rank or position.
to a teacher.
to a knight or other low member of the peerage.
A respectful term of address to a man of higher rank or position
A respectful term of address to an adult male (often older), especially if his name or proper title is unknown.
To address (someone) using "sir".
A naval officer's epaulet.
A sailor; a swabby.
A small piece of soft, absorbent material, such as gauze, used to clean wounds, apply medicine, or take samples of body fluids. Often attached to a stick or wire to aid access.
A mop, especially on a ship.
A piece of material used for cleaning or sampling other items like musical instruments or guns.
A sample taken with a swab (piece of absorbent material).
To use a swab on something, or clean something with a swab.