Middle English Dictionary Entry
swange n.
Entry Info
| Forms | swange n. |
| Etymology | ON: cp. OI svangi. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
The middle of the body; the lower abdomen; also, the flank [quot. a1500 Awntyrs]; ?also, the lower back [last quot.].
Associated quotations
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)138 : Þer hales in at þe halle dor an aghlich mayster..Fro þe swyre to þe swange so sware & so þik.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)2034 : Þenn dressed he his drurye double hym aboute, Swyþe sweþled vmbe his swange swetely þat knyȝt.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)1129 : The kynge..Swappez in with the swerde, þat it þe swange brystedde, Bothe þe guttez and the gorre guschez owte at ones.
- a1500 Awntyrs Arth.(Dc 324)617 : Þe swerd swapped one his swange [Thrn: slante] and one þe mayle slikes.
- a1500 9 PPGod(4) (Hrl 2409)455 : For me is welle leuere þat þou be Buȝsom..For þat helpys mare þi saule at nede, Þan þou ilke day þi body dange, Baþe þi sydis and þi swange.