† forˈswelt, v. Obs.
[OE. forsweltan, str. vb., f. for- prefix1 + sweltan, swelt v. to die.]
1. intr. To die, perish.
| c 888 K. ælfred Boeth. xxxi. §1 Maniᵹ wif forswilt for hire bearne. a 1225 Juliana 19 He schal þe forreaden & makie to forswelten. |
2. trans. To cause to perish, to kill.
| a 1225 St. Marher. 5 Mi sweord schal uorswelten and forswolhen þi flesch. 13.. K. Alis. 7559 Her was the gult, To ben forbarnd, to ben forswelte. |