swallet local. (s.w.)
(ˈswɒlɪt)
[Obscure formation on swallow v., ? after gullet.]
An underground stream of water such as breaks in upon miners at work. Also (in full, swallet hole), the opening through which a stream disappears underground. Cf. swallow n.2 1 b.
| 1668 Phil. Trans. III. 769 If they find a Swallet, they drive an Adit upon Levell, till 'tis dry. 1761 A. Catcott Treat. Deluge iii. (1768) 356 The collateral conduits of the swallet⁓holes, leading down into one great unfathomable cavity in the bowels of the earth. 1778 Pryce Min. Cornub. 84 The larger submarine gulphs or swallets. 1856 S. Hughes Waterworks 133 Swallet holes and subterranean rivers..in the district of Gower and in the Mendip hills. 1865 Reader Jan. 7 This stream is known to commence its subterranean journey about two miles off, where it enters a ‘swallet.’ 1910 Spectator 8 Jan. 47/1 Mendip [has]..underground springs and rivers..faintly indicated by the countless swallets that pit the surface of the hills. |