Sweep v. t. [imp. & p. p. Swept p. pr. & vb. n. Sweeping.]
 1. To pass a broom across (a surface) so as to remove loose dirt, dust, etc.; to brush, or rub over, with a broom for the purpose of cleaning; as, to sweep a floor, the street, or a chimney. Used also figuratively.
    I will sweep it with the besom of destruction.   --Isa. xiv. 23.
 2. To drive or carry along or off with a broom or a brush, or as if with a broom; to remove by, or as if by, brushing; as, to sweep dirt from a floor; the wind sweeps the snow from the hills; a freshet sweeps away a dam, timber, or rubbish; a pestilence sweeps off multitudes.
    The hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies.   --Isa. xxviii. 17.
    I have already swept the stakes.   --Dryden.
 3. To brush against or over; to rub lightly along.
 Their long descending train,
 With rubies edged and sapphires, swept the plain.   --Dryden.
 4. To carry with a long, swinging, or dragging motion; hence, to carry in a stately or proud fashion.
    And like a peacock sweep along his tail.   --Shak.
 5. To strike with a long stroke.
 Wake into voice each silent string,
 And sweep the sounding lyre.   --Pope.
 6. Naut. To draw or drag something over; as, to sweep the bottom of a river with a net.
 7. To pass over, or traverse, with the eye or with an instrument of observation; as, to sweep the heavens with a telescope.
 To sweep a mold or To sweep up a mold Founding, to form the sand into a mold by a templet, instead of compressing it around the pattern.