Middle English Dictionary Entry
swarlen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | swarlen v. P.ppl. suarled. |
| Etymology | ?From ON: cp. MnE dial. (Northern & Scot.) swarl to whirl, spin & Norw. sverra to whirl, Icel. svarra to rage, bluster. ?Error for ME snarlen v. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
To catch (sb. or sth.) in a noose or snare; ppl. suarled, tangled up.
Associated quotations
- ?a1400 Mannyng Chron.Pt.1 (Petyt 511)4629 : Reueld suarled [Lamb: Schipes in-to þe water synke..Ropes ryuereled & swerued in lyne].
- ?a1475 PParv.(Win)300 : Marlyn, or swarlyn [Hrl 221: snarlyn]: Illaqueo.
- ?a1475 PParv.(Win)388 : Ruffelone, or swarlyn: Illaqueo.