sweeny U.S.
(ˈswiːnɪ)
Also swinn(e)y.
[prob. f. G. dial. schweine emaciation, atrophy, schweinen to become emaciated.]
Atrophy of the shoulder-muscles in the horse. Also fig. of the ‘stiffness’ of pride or self-conceit.
| 1813 E. Gerry Diary 23 June (1927) 131, I answered he [sc. a horse] was foundered, but was informed that it was another complaint called the sweeney. 1832 J. P. Kennedy Swallow Barn II. i. 22 He professed to cure the colt's distemper, sweeny, and other maladies. 1855 H. C. Kimball in Jrnl. Discourses II. 158/1 Too many have got the sweeny, and the skins are growing tight on their flesh. 1887 Sci. Amer. 30 July 72/3 The shrinkage of the muscles of the shoulder, and which is commonly called ‘sweeny’, is due to some lameness of the foot or limb. |