† conˈvell, v. Obs.
[ad. L. convell-ĕre to wrench up, overthrow, shatter, f. con- intensive + vellĕre to tear, pull, pluck. Cf. convulse.]
1. lit. To tear, wrench. rare.
| 1638 A. Read Chirurg. x. 75 The muscles appointed for respiration, being also convelled. 1657–94 [see convelled, etc. below]. |
2. fig. To overthrow or refute completely.
| 1536 Articles Relig. p. xvii, Such as neither ought ne can be altered or convelled by any contrary opinion. 1657 M. Hawke Killing is Murder Pref., To convel, and confute, this pestilent and perilous Libel. 1724 Wodrow Corr. (1843) III. 111 It's impossible to convell the material facts he has set down. |
Hence convelled, convelling vbl. n. and ppl. a.
| 1657 Tomlinson Renou's Disp. 318 Broken and convelled nerves. 1620 Venner Via Recta viii. 187 For conuelling....of this vaine custome. 1694 Phil. Trans. XVIII. 24 Very strong irritations in the Members of the Body, by convelling of their Muscular Fibres. |