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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SWAVER, v., n. [′swevər]

I. v. 1. To totter, sway, move unsteadily, walk in a weary stumbling manner (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 187; I. and ne.Sc. 1972).Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore (S.T.S.) 26:
She wins to foot, an' swavering makes to gang.
w.Sc. 1866 R. W. Buchanan London Poems (1883) 232:
Swavering down the path, he took my arm.

2. To hesitate, be in an uncertain state of purpose, to dither.

II. n. An inclination to one side, a lurch, stagger (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 187; ne.Sc. 1972).Abd. 1795 A. Shirrefs Sale Catalogue 19:
Nor need you on the barter swaver, For sure it must be in your favour.

[North. Mid.Eng. swafre, id., freq. form of Mid.Eng. swayve, to move to and fro, go in a zig-zag. Cf. Norw. dial. sveiva, to swing, Icel. sveifa, to hover, glide.]

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