Middle English Dictionary Entry
swǒugh n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | swǒugh n.(1) Also swouȝ, swouh(e, swou, swogh(e, swoȝe, swowe, sough, sowe. |
| Etymology | From swǒuen v.(1). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A rushing sound, as of water or wind; a roaring noise, murmuring sound, sough; se ~; (b) a deep sigh, moan, groan; (c) ?a disease of the lungs; ?error for cough n.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1385) Chaucer CT.Kn.(Manly-Rickert)A.1979 : Ther ran a rumbel in a swough [vr. swouhe] As thogh a storm sholde bresten euery bough.
- c1430(c1380) Chaucer PF (Benson-Robinson)247 : Of sykes hoote as fyr I herde a swogh [vrr. swow, swowh].
- c1440(a1400) Eglam.(Thrn)374 : Of þe see he herde a swoghe [vrr. swowȝ, sowe].
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)759 : With þe swoghe of þe see in swefnynge he fell.
- c1450(c1380) Chaucer HF (Benson-Robinson)1031 : The grete soun..rumbleth up and doun..Herestow not the grete swogh?
- c1450(c1380) Chaucer HF (Benson-Robinson)1941 : For the swough and for the twygges, This hous was also ful of gygges.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)5019 : Þe son-tree..schoke hire schire leues..with a sweȝand swoȝe.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)226/718 : Thou..stalkyd stylly bi the see swoghe.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)342 : There was wellit..water..with plentius stremes, With a swoughe and a swetnes sweppit on þe grounde.
b
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Mil.(Manly-Rickert)A.3619 : He siketh with ful many a sory swogh.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)4.2510 : Þe dedly soun..to Achilles is ronne Of hem þat laye..With mortal woundes ȝeldinge vp þe breþe, With rowmble & swowe resownyng in-to deþe.
- a1450(?c1421) Lydg.ST (Arun 119)4338 : The swowys and the cryes loude Of hem that lay and ȝolden vp the goost was herd ful fer aboute.
- c1430 Chaucer TC (Cmb Gg.4.27)4.375 : Troilus..seyde..Among his sobbis & his sowis [vr. sikes] sore..'I am ded.'
- c1440(a1350) Isumb.(Thrn)89 : His hirde-mene mett he..With a fulle drery swoghe.
c
- c1465(?1373) *Lelamour Macer (Sln 5)31b : Þe juis dronke with olde wyne..heliþ a man of þe sowgh.