Swinge

Origin

From Old English swengan: to shatter to Middle English swenge

Full definition of swinge

Verb

1. (obsolete) To singe.
2. (archaic) To move like a lash; to lash.
• MiltonSwinges the scaly horror of his folded tail.
3. (archaic) To strike hard.
• ShakespeareI had swinged him soundly.
• C. DrydenAnd swinges his own vices in his son.
• Aphra Behn (1640-89) The Feigned Courtesans. This edition: (The plays of) Aphra Behn. Oxford University press 2000. p.233. ISBN 0192834517Sir Feeble: Tis jelousy, the old worm that bites. Sir Cautious Whom is it that you suspect.Sir Cautious: Alas I know not whom to suspect, I would I did; but if you discover him, I would swinge him.

Related terms

• swingeing

Noun

1. (archaic) A swinging blow.
2. (obsolete) Power; sway; influence.

Anagrams

• sewing
• winges