Middle English Dictionary Entry
swelteren v.
Entry Info
| Forms | swelteren v. Also sweltere, sweltre, swalterin, sqwalterin & (error) sawltre. |
| Etymology | From swelten v. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To become weak or faint from heat, swelter; faint; (b) to be overcome with the heat of passion.
Associated quotations
a
- c1390(c1350) NHom.(2) PSanct.(Vrn)85/157 : Þenke..hou hot hit is in helle..In Bras þei brennen bi þe brinke, In serwe and wo þei sweltere and swelle.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)471 : Sqwalteryn, for hete or oþer cawsys: Sincopo, exalo.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)481 : Swalteryn for hete, or febylnesse, or other cawsys: Exalo.
b
- a1450(?1420) Lydg.TG (Tan 346)358 : I brenne with feruence and with hete..And þuruȝ myn axcesse..I sweltre [vr. swelte] and swete.
- c1450 When the son (Frf 16)72 : Wyth syghes cold and gret dolours..they sawltre [?read: swaltre] for louyng paramours, And euer they dey and yet neuer dede.