Brewer's: Mop

In many places statute fairs are held, where servants seek to be hired. Carters fasten to their hats a piece of whipcord; shepherds, a lock of wool; grooms, a piece of sponge, etc. When hired they mount a cockade with streamers. Some few days after the statute fair, a second, called a Mop, is held for the benefit of those not already hired. This fair mops or wipes up the refuse of the statute fair, carrying away the dregs of the servants left.

Mop.
One of Queen Mab's attendants. All mops and brooms. Intoxicated.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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