† swounds, int. Obs.
Forms: 6 swown(e)s, swouns, swonds, sowns, 'sowns, 6–7 swoundes, swones, 7 swoones, 'swounds, swounds.
A euphemistic abbreviation of God's wounds (see god n. 14 a) used in oaths and asseverations. Cf. zounds.
| 1589 [? Nashe] Almond for Parrat Ded. A ij b, Some rufling Courtier, that sweares swoundes and blood. c 1590 Marlowe Faustus iv, How, boy? swowns, boy. 1599 Hayward 1st Pt. Life Hen. IV, 19 Sir Hugh swore, swownes, and snayles, let vs set vpon them. 1599 Porter Angry Wom. Abingt. 335 Sowns, go to, put up your bodkin. 1604 [? Chettle] Wit of Woman E 3, Foh, swoundes Sir, tis a Sir reuerence. 1620 I. C. Two Merry Milk-maids iv. i. L j b, O Swoones he has stabd me. |