topswarm

English

Etymology

top +‎ swarm

Noun

topswarm (plural topswarms)

1. The initial swarm of bees leaving a hive.

   Synonym: top

   • 1866, The Scottish Gardener, page 397:

     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.