topswarm en · NOUN
Etymology
From top + swarm.
Meanings
-
The initial swarm of bees leaving a hive.
My first topswarm came off on the 25th June, and a second top on the day following; both were put into skeps of one size, and appeared to be equal as regards the number of Bees.
1866, The Scottish Gardener, page 397:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| topswarms | Number=Plur | lexicographic |