Webster's English Dictionary

sweep

1. sweep \'swe-p\ \'swept\ vb or swept;  or sweep.ing [ME swepen; akin to 
   OT swa-pan to sweep - more at SWOOP] 1a: to remove from a surface with or 
   as if with a broom or brush  1b: to remove or take with a single continuous 
   forceful action  1c: to drive or carry along with irresistible force  2a: 
   to clean with or as if with a broom or brush  2b: to clear by repeated and 
   forcible action  2c: to move across or along swiftly, violently, or 
   overwhelmingly  2d: to win an overwhelming victory in or on {~ the 
   elections}  3: to touch in passing with a swift continuous movement  4: to 
   trace the outline of (a curve)  5: to cover the entire range of  1a: to 
   clean a surface with or as if with a broom  1b: to move swiftly, 
   forcefully, or devastatingly  2: to go with stately or sweeping movements  
   3: to move or extend in a wide curve or range  - sweep.er n
2. sweep n 1: something that sweeps or works with a sweeping motion : as  
   1a: a long pole or timber pivoted on a tall post and used to raise and lowe 
   r a bucket in a well 1b: a triangular cultivator blade that cuts off weeds 
   under the soil surfac e 1c: a windmill sail  2a: an instance of sweeping; 
   specif : a clearing out or away with o r as if with a broom 2b: the removal 
   from the table in one play in casino of all the cards by pa iring or 
   combining 2c: an overwhelming victory  2d: a winning of all the contests or 
   prizes in a competition  3a: a movement of great range and force  3b: a 
   curving or circular course or line  3c: the compass of a sweeping movement 
   : SCOPE  3d: a broad extent  4: CHIMNEY SWEEP  5: SWEEPSTAKES