A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Swill, v. P.t. sweillit. [ME and e.m.E. swyle(n (a1300), swile(n (c1300), swele (Manning), swyll (1530) to wash, rinse, swill (1548) to fill with drink, OE swillan, swilian.] intr. To drink to excess. —a1605 Montg. Flyt. 494 (T).
That cruikit crokadeill … Vnto the cocatrice in ane creill they send it; Quhair, sevin ȝeiris, it sowkit, sweillit, singit and sarie 1685 Sinclair Satan's Inv. World 159.
These men continued drinking and swilling so long till they could hardly see one another
