† overˈwhelve, v. Obs.
[f. over- 6 + whelve v. to roll.]
1. trans. To overturn; to cause to roll or tumble, as waves. (Cf. overwhelm v. 1.)
| c 1374 Chaucer Boeth. ii. metr. iii. 39 (Add. MS.) Þe horrible wynde aquilon moeueþ boylyng tempestes and ouer whelweþ [v.rr. whelueth, welueeth, -welueth] þe see. c 1420 Pallad. on Husb. i. 781 In the somer do thy cure Vppon Septemtrioun to ouerwhelue Hit vpsodoun. |
2. fig. To overthrow, bring to ruin. (Cf. overwhelm v. 3.)
| c 1420 Pallad. on Husb. i. 161 (Colch. MS.) For harme and stryffe of that upon thi self May ryse, ye and perchaunce the over whelve [Fitzw. MS. ouer thee whelue]. a 1618 Sylvester Tobacco Battered 128 A Burthen able..to sink The hugest Carrak; yea, those hallowed Twelve, Spain's great Apostles, even to over-whelve. |