† sweek Obs.
Also 6 sweake, 7 sweeke.
[If the primary sense be ‘swing’, this word is related to sweak v. and to the dial. sweak swing-bar in a fireplace for kettles, etc., swake pump-handle.]
Part of a trap for catching birds.
| 1594 Barnfield Affect. Sheph. (Arb.) 13 If thou wilt Make pit-falls for the Larke and Pheldifare, Thy prop and sweake shall be both ouer-guilt. 1623 C. Butler Fem. Mon. vii. (1634) 120 The three sides or parts of the Prop (the Poste, the Sweeke, and the Brace,) are three Stiks: all, almost half an inch broad, and half a quarter of an inch thik. Ibid. 121 First bait the Sweek with a thin piece of good Cheese, or Bacon, or Suet. |