broom1 (brom)

[ (French plante genet ) which was the badge the dant throughout Europe, and famous as the planta genista tagenets. It is a valuable remedy in dropsy, being one of the most efficient of hydragogues, and its seeds are used as a substitute for coffee. Spanish broom ( Spartium junceum ) is a closely allied species, as is also the dyer's broom ( Genista tinct or i a ), which was formerly much used as a yellow dye and as the basis of the once celebrated Kendal green. See cuts under Cytisus and Genista. 2. A besom, or brush with a long handle, for sweeping floors, etc.: so called from being originally made of the broom-plant. Brooms are ow made in Europe of this and various other materials; and in the United States their manufacture from broom corn is an important busine . A broom at the masthead of a ve el indicates that she is for sale, a sign derived probably from the old habit of displaying boughs at shops and taverns. - Butcher's broom, a prickly liliaceous shrub, Ruscus aculeatus: so called from its use by butchers in Europe in sweeping their blocks. Also called knee holly. Yellow broom, a name sometimes given in the United States to the wild indigo, Baptisia tinct or i a. broom (brom), broom To sweep, IMG:content-2596.png:[blocks in formation] broom-corn (bröm'kôrn), n. A variety of Sor ghum vulgare, a tall reed-like gra , rising to a height of 8 or 10 feet, a native of India. The branched panicles are made into brooms and brushes, for which purpose the plant is largely cultivated in the United States. The seed is used as feed for cattle.