The word "besom" is often spelled with an "e" instead of an "a," causing confusion for some. The correct pronunciation, according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), is /ˈbɛzəm/. This means that the "e" should be pronounced as the short "eh" sound, and the "o" should be pronounced with a schwa sound. The spelling "besom" is derived from the Old English word "besema," which means "bundle of twigs." It is often used to describe a broom made of twigs or a similar material.
Besom is a noun that refers to a broom made of twigs or branches tied together to form a brush-like tool. It is typically associated with traditional, rural or folk culture, and has been used for centuries as a household cleaning tool. The term is derived from the Middle English word "beseme," which means a bundle of twigs or a broom, and can be traced back to the Old English word "besma."
A besom is characterized by its distinctive appearance: a bundle of sturdy bristles or small branches, often cut to a specific length and tied securely to a handle or pole. These bristles or branches can be made from various materials such as straw, birch twigs, or heather. The bristles are densely packed, allowing the besom to effectively sweep, gather, and clean surfaces.
Besoms were traditionally used to sweep dirt and debris from floors, paths, and other surfaces. The bristles create a sweeping motion that efficiently collects dust and dirt, making it an effective tool for cleaning both indoors and outdoors.
In addition to its practical use as a cleaning tool, the besom holds symbolic significance in certain cultural practices and folklore. It is often associated with witchcraft, purification rituals, and spiritual traditions. The besom has a long-standing connection to the concept of sweeping away negative energy, making it a staple tool in many spiritual practices and ceremonies.
In conclusion, a besom is a broom-like tool made by tying together twigs or branches to form a bristle bundle, often used for cleaning domestic spaces and associated with traditional rural culture.
• To sweep.
• A large brush of birch or hair for sweeping; a broom.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "besom" comes from the Old English term "besma", which means "bundle of twigs" or "broom". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "besmon", which also referred to a bundle of twigs. The Old English "besma" later evolved into "besom" and has been used to describe a traditional broom made from bundled twigs or a brush-like tool used for sweeping.