Emily Dickinson Lexicon

broom (-s), n. [OE.] (webplay: purple, sweeping).

1. Whisk; stirring tool; [fig.] eddy; current; air flow; swirl of wind.
2. Brush plant; dried heather; shrub with yellow flowers; [fig.] shape; shadow; ray of light; cloud pattern.
3. Besom; sweeper; dusting instrument; implement for cleaning; brush with a long handle.
4. Review; critique; inspection; examination; evaluation; retrospection; recollection.
5. Butler; steward; pantryman; custodian; cleaning man; chimney sweep; male household servant.