A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Swash, v. [e.m.E. swash (1577).] intr. a. To throw or hurl oneself violently and noisily. b. To behave in an arrogant, overbearing manner; to swagger. —a. 1602 Three Reformers 165.
Gracelesse devourers [sc. of God's benefits] … wha … swell in pride and disdaine against all true thankfulnesse, swashing downe to the table like swyne and starting up like dogs when they ar filled —b. 1629 Boyd Last B. (1629) 673.
[They] in hight of stomacke, ruffling & swashing, did tread upon God's turtles
